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Warm Weather Forces Ice Fishing Closures in New Mexico
Ice fishing season in New Mexico is typically brief, and this year’s unseasonably warm temperatures are making it even shorter for hardwater fishermen.
The New Mexico State Parks Division has closed all ice activities at Eagle Nest and Fenton Lake State Parks due to dangerous ice conditions caused by unseasonably warm weather. The closures come at a time when ice fishing has grown increasingly popular in northern New Mexico, attracting thousands of anglers during favorable conditions.
Eagles Nest Lake in New Mexico
“First ice is traditionally an exciting time for winter anglers, but it can also be one of the most treacherous periods of the season,” said a spokesperson for the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. “Ice formation during early winter is often unpredictable and inconsistent, creating potentially hazardous conditions for even experienced ice fishermen.”
The Department of Game and Fish’s safety guidelines specify that clear ice must be at least four inches thick to safely support foot traffic. Officials are urging anglers to verify current conditions with multiple authorities before heading out, including New Mexico State Parks, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the U.S. Forest Service.
Thin sheets of ice mixed with water present dangerous conditions for ice fishermen at Eagles Nest Lake
Traditional winter fishing opportunities are also experiencing challenges across the state. Anglers in Sierra County report slow catfish action along the Rio Grande below Elephant Butte and Caballo Lake, even when using proven baits like worms. Reports from popular fishing locations in southwestern, southeastern, and eastern New Mexico are currently unavailable.
The Department of Game and Fish has announced that fishing reports will become less frequent during the winter months but emphasizes their commitment to providing updates on conditions as they become available. For current ice conditions and closure information, visit the New Mexico State Parks website or contact the Department of Game and Fish directly at 888-248-6866 or 505-476-8000. Follow updates online at emnrd.nm.gov under Park Alerts for any further changes.
The post Warm Weather Forces Ice Fishing Closures in New Mexico appeared first on OutdoorHub.
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Warm Weather Forces Ice Fishing Closures in New Mexico
Ice fishing season in New Mexico is typically brief, and this year’s unseasonably warm temperatures are making it even shorter for hardwater fishermen.
The New Mexico State Parks Division has closed all ice activities at Eagle Nest and Fenton Lake State Parks due to dangerous ice conditions caused by unseasonably warm weather. The closures come at a time when ice fishing has grown increasingly popular in northern New Mexico, attracting thousands of anglers during favorable conditions.
Eagles Nest Lake in New Mexico
“First ice is traditionally an exciting time for winter anglers, but it can also be one of the most treacherous periods of the season,” said a spokesperson for the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. “Ice formation during early winter is often unpredictable and inconsistent, creating potentially hazardous conditions for even experienced ice fishermen.”
The Department of Game and Fish’s safety guidelines specify that clear ice must be at least four inches thick to safely support foot traffic. Officials are urging anglers to verify current conditions with multiple authorities before heading out, including New Mexico State Parks, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the U.S. Forest Service.
Thin sheets of ice mixed with water present dangerous conditions for ice fishermen at Eagles Nest Lake
Traditional winter fishing opportunities are also experiencing challenges across the state. Anglers in Sierra County report slow catfish action along the Rio Grande below Elephant Butte and Caballo Lake, even when using proven baits like worms. Reports from popular fishing locations in southwestern, southeastern, and eastern New Mexico are currently unavailable.
The Department of Game and Fish has announced that fishing reports will become less frequent during the winter months but emphasizes their commitment to providing updates on conditions as they become available. For current ice conditions and closure information, visit the New Mexico State Parks website or contact the Department of Game and Fish directly at 888-248-6866 or 505-476-8000. Follow updates online at emnrd.nm.gov under Park Alerts for any further changes.
The post Warm Weather Forces Ice Fishing Closures in New Mexico appeared first on OutdoorHub.
Continue reading...