TAKE THE BAIT
Don’t miss a chance to catch the 33rd New Mexico Trout Conclave and an opportunity to boost your fishing knowledge and skills
Fly-fishing will be the topic of the day Feb. 11 when New Mexico Trout hosts its 33rd Annual Conclave. The event, the group’s primary fundraiser for the year, will begin at 8:30 a.m. at Sandia Preparatory School, 532 Osuna NE.
Speakers include George Daniel, author and lecturer; Gregg Flores, guide and fly-fishing cinematographer; and Peggy Harrell-Nesbit of Blue Sky Guides on the San Juan River.
Each will give a series of talks throughout the day.
Harrell-Nesbit’s presentation will focus on topics of particular interest to women. Other clinics will address fly-casting (weather permitting), a New Mexico Game and Fish Department exhibit on fish and aquatic insects, fly-tying demonstrations, and split bamboo fly-rod building.
The Conclave will also feature a raffle of donated gear, such as rods, reels, flies, fishing clothing and other gear, as well as guided fishing trips.
Tickets are $25 for N.M. Trout members and $30 for nonmembers. Admission is free for attendees 16 and under. Tickets can be purchased online at newmexicotrout.org /conclave/ and at Los Pinos Fly and Tackle Shop and Charlie’s Sporting Goods in Albuquerque. Tickets purchased by Feb. 6 include a catered lunch.
New Mexico Trout is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of trout fishing in New Mexico’s waters. The club does this through hands-on restoration of riparian habitats and by formal and informal education of the public about trout fishing and the value of trout habitats.
The group partners with state, federal and private agencies to introduce people to the benefits of fly-fishing to recruit more participants to the sport. Some of the group’s volunteer efforts include teaching introductory fly-tying and casting at events at New Mexico’s Fenton Lake, Seven Springs Hatchery and Valles Caldera National Monument.
In addition, New Mexico Trout supports Project Healing Waters by working with the Department of Veterans Affairs in Albuquerque to teach veterans fly-tying, casting and fishing skills. It also works with Santa Fe National Forest to build vehicle barriers to prevent degradation and to restore riparian habitat on trout streams in northern New Mexico.