Get out the fly rods. Maybe the nets, spears and crossbows, too.
The state Department of Game and Fish is suspending the usual fishing rules on the Santa Fe River in an attempt to keep recently stocked trout from withering away as less and less water is released into the river.
Starting today, anglers will be able to catch, and keep, an unlimited number of fish.
The emergency salvage order will remain in effect through Monday, allowing children and adults with a valid fishing license five full days to catch fish using virtually any means necessary.
“This one was planned all along,” said Dan Williams, a Game and Fish spokesman. “What we’re hoping is people will take them out of there before (the pools) dry up.”
On May 30, officials released about 500 rainbow trout — most of which measure about 10 inches in length — into the gurgling Santa Fe River.
Many of the fish are believed to have been caught during a children’s fishing derby held the following day. But some likely remain in the river, especially in the stretch of water just downstream from the Old Santa Fe Trail bridge.
In addition, an unspecified number of wild trout who’ve made their way down from the river’s head waters could also be enjoying the sights and sounds of downtown Santa Fe.
That could change soon.
The city’s Sangre de Cristo Water Division began releasing water from the city’s two offlimits municipal reservoirs on May 24 in order to prevent water from spilling over the dams.
But with much of the spring runoff in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains having already occurred, the water will likely be shut off in a matter of days.
With that scenario looming, officials are wary of seeing history repeat itself.
A previous attempt to stock the river with fish ran into trouble in 2006, when the state released about 250 trout, many of which were ultimately stranded in a trickle of water after the city stopped releasing reservoir flows.
Bill Schudlich, chairman of Trout Unlimited’s New Mexico chapter, said the city could prevent such outcomes by approving a plan to maintain water in the Santa Fe River year-round.
Such a plan has been roundly discussed in City Hall, but the talk thus far hasn’t led to action, despite the fact that Santa Feans have reduced their average water consumption from 168 to 101 gallons per capita per day over the last 12 years.
“It’s a shame we don’t have a plan for a perennial flow,” said Schudlich, who said he doesn’t blame the Department of Game and Fish for its decision. “I think the bigger crime here is they have to issue a salvage order.”
While some might question the decision to stock 500 fish in a river with a finite water supply, Williams said the fish were raised specifically to be caught.
“We’re in the business to provide fishing opportunities for people,” he said.
Starting at 12:01 a.m. today and lasting through Monday, that means almost anything goes.
