Vadito, NM – When New Mexico observes National Free Fishing Day today, Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort, in conjunction with the Taos Fly Shop, will kick off a new weekly series of free fly fishing clinics.
Lead by Taos resident and professional fly fishing instructor and guide Dan Holden, the hands-on lessons will take place at Sipapu every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and will cover the basics of fly fishing.
“These clinics teach people not only how to use the equipment and how to cast, but we also talk about how to enjoy the outdoors while still respecting our environment,” Holden said. “At the end of the class, we guarantee that participants will have the knowledge they need to go fly fishing and to have a good time doing it.”
Weekly clinics begin today, in conjunction with National Free Fishing Day. Sponsored by New Mexico Game and Commission, all anglers – including state residents and non-residents – will enjoy a day of free fishing; no licenses or stamps are required, although bag limits and all other fishing rules apply.
Students are encouraged to bring their own equipment, and fly rods and reels (courtesy of the Taos Fly Shop) will be available to borrow at no charge. A New Mexico fishing license is required (with the exception of June 2) and may be purchased at Sipapu’s general store.
Located 20 miles southeast of Taos on Highway 518, Sipapu offers free access to one of the finest trout fishing areas in New Mexico. The Rio Pueblo flows right through the heart of the resort and contains some of the best small pocket water fishing in the state. This tributary to the Rio Grande includes several species of trout and cutthroat, Holden said.
“What makes this area so amazing is the diversity of fishing,” he said. “In the same body of water, you can catch multiple species of trout and cutthroat all in the same day. You can’t do that in many places.”
The resort also offers a private, stocked fishing pond for all visitors to enjoy for free. The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish typically stock the pond every other week.