Rio Pueblo: Streamflow near Peasco Monday morning was not measured due to ice. Provide the release season permit holders campsites without diminishing the river environment, quality of the wilderness experience or having to decrease permit numbers. The Boat ramp at South Monticello remains closed due to low water levels. project included Heron Dam, modification to El Vado outlet works, and the Pojoaque Unit, which includes Nambe Falls Dam. In most Windows browsers (such as Internet Explorer) hold down the Control key and press F5. Alumni Pond: Fishing for trout was good when using Pistol Pete spinner flies fished with a bobber and salmon-peach PowerBait. Need a license? 12/18/2022 - ongoing. Morphy Lake: Closed to boating and fishing until March. The purpose of the proposed deviation action is to implement a temporary deviation from the WCP for Abiquiu Dam, which will allow other responsible agencies to retain and release Rio 12/26/2022 - ongoing. In general, water is stored during the spring run off for release later in the year when flows are lower. Fenton Lake: Closed to fishing due to unsafe ice . If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Stubblefield Lake: We had no reports from anglers this week. Water storage at the reservoir was restricted in recent years due to the structural concerns identified through inspections under Reclamations Safety of Dams program. r J8-bD{cJ'\T@q4"I-KST(m6Mk*QkJx"v.DOTk!]*EQE9 W*X.M:u&Nd)r,Tmcg9J]j$}?l4Q{hpe{di*5BORo]f7x" _ Fish weights and measurements are provided by the angler and printed here as received. The recommended minimum flow requirements for kayaks, canoes, and rafts less than 12' is 300 cfs. Bonito Lake: Closed until further notice by the City of Alamogordo due to fire damage. Please note the No Show and Cancellation Policy. Mesilla Valley Bosque Park is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Friday permits may launch either Friday or Saturday. Recreation Fee: $5 per person, per launch -- may be adjusted up until the time that your permit is printed., Cancellation Policy: If you cancel your permit 14 days or more prior to your reservation date, you will receive a full refund, minus the non-refundable reservation fee. The scope of work also includes the construction of a two-line grout curtain on the dams left abutment. Main lake and secondary points with chunk rock or pea-gravel banks, as well as shallower pockets off the main lake, will begin to hold groups of fish. Permits are only available through Recreation.gov, and are not transferrable. (April 15 to July 15) flows often coincide with inflow to reservoirs above El Vado Dam. Water releases from the upstream El Vado Lake Dam are often timed to allow weekend river floats from below El Vado Reservoir to Big Eddy. Please see the Rio Chama Wild and Scenic River Brochure for more information and regulations. Lock The Secretary of the Interior designates space in El Vado Reservoir to store some water for prior and paramount lands of the six Middle Rio Grande Pueblos. El Vado Dam can hold back about 60 billion gallons (273 billion liters) of water, but the capacity will be reduced significantly while the repairs are being done. Nicholsons work on the project will be completed in the Fall of 2023. Pecos River: Streamflow below Sumner Lake Monday morning was 88 cfs. El Vado Ranch is reached via NM 112 from US 84 near Tierra Amarilla. HVKo1a6"_TUfCZ< 8T(DxR1pf37_nvpv6:f7.|+)dEA6uh?B' IhE. The Rio Grande Nature Center State Park is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Years Day. endstream endobj startxref A lottery system is used for Friday and Saturday launches. Fenton Lake: Ice fishing for trout was good when using yellow jig heads tipped with wax worms. Contact Information Mailing Address: El Vado . Nicholson working on El Vado Dam rehabilitation project. An excellent fishing stream that consistently produces trophy size brown trout. Let us know how your fishing trip goes! **** All data are provisional and subject to revision as final data are collected and analyzed. El Vado Dam was built by the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District in 1934 and 1935 and was rehabilitated by Reclamation in 1954 and 1955. 2. Below El Vado Dam sits a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission-regulated hydroelectric plant that is owned and operated by Los Alamos County. Warning: The Rio Chama has continued to experience large numbers of dogs per permit, not leashed or under control while on shore including at boat ramps and not being picked up after. This includes but is not limited to Off Highway Motorcycles, Side-By Sides, Quad Runners, and Snowmobiles. Patching and repair equipment for each type of boat is required as is an air pump., Permittee must allow rangers to complete permit checks to determine if adherence to permit stipulations has been met. We expect stream flows in the basin to remain below average.. The permit date cannot be modified and permits can not be transferred. Releases from El Vado Reservoir occur in a manner that is consistent with the following operational requirements and/or considerations: Native Rio Grande water flows into El Vado Reservoir up to 100 cfs are bypassed to meet demands of Rio Chama water rights holders. Heron Lake: Open to ice fishing. Change Policy: Prior to printing your permit you can modify the group size. Park staff would appreciate reports on any fish caught. Please remember, from the river-crossing bridge on U.S. Highway 84 at Abiquiu upstream 7 miles to the base of Abiquiu Dam is special trout waters with a bag limit of two trout only. Weekday releases in both seasons are more variable / less reliable than weekend. Near steady temperature in the mid 20s. Fishing for trout was fair when using gold spinners. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the During the Release season water releases are at the whim of irrigation demand. Best access point: Below Abiquiu Dam and below El Vado Dam. Improvements include the installation of a new concrete boat ramp and dock; improvements to the existing boat ramp; the installation of rock, fishing jetties; road improvements; and re-grading the north camping access area. Posting Dates: Individuals may apply for each of these seasons. This year, we'll release it from Heron and it will immediately pass through El Vado," into the Chama and down to Abiquiu Reservoir. Chavez Canyon and Big Eddy access points are reached on Forest Road 151- just north of Ghost Ranch - on US 84. Rio Chama flows are not guaranteed and are highly variable - based on water availability, irrigation demand, and precipitation - and may change with little notice. The BLM Taos Field Office and Santa Fe National Forest have proposed an increase in the recreation fee for the Rio Chama River Permit from $5 per person to $10 per person. Check flows: USGS flow information (Rio Chama below El Vado). Elephant Butte Lake: Fishing for crappie was good when using small, dark-colored jigs and live minnows. The reservoir also, at times, provides additional drinking water for the cities of Santa Fe and Albuquerque. Boating conditions are described as poor. The New Mexico Game and Fish Commission (NMDG&F) approved catch and release regulations on this section of the Chama River at its November 17, 2016 meeting in Grants. The water takes about 12 hours to either reach, or recede at, Chavez Canyon access site. 11/14/2022 - ongoing. Posting Dates: Water is released from El Vado Reservoir when natural flow of the Rio Grande is not sufficient to meet demands of the MRGCD and the Six Middle Rio Grande Pueblos. The Lea Lake North Day Use Area is closed due to Lea Lake overflow causing flooding. Subscribe to receive theFishing Report by email: The fishingreport is also available by RSS Feed. Learn about recent developments in the industry and stay knowledgeable in your field. To conserve, regulate, propagate and protect the wildlife and fish within the state of New Mexico using a flexible management system that ensures sustainable use for public food supply, recreation and safety; and to provide for off-highway motor vehicle recreation (Read more), Phone: (505) 476-8000 | Toll-free (888) 248-6866, Copyright 2016 New Mexico Department of Game & Fish | All Rights Reserved, (505) 476-8000 | Toll-free (888) 248-6866. Beginning in the southern San Juan Mountains of south-central Colorado, it joins the Rio Grande near Espanola, New Mexico. Oasis Park Lake: Mario Velasco of Portales caught a 16-inch rainbow trout using PowerBait on Feb. 25. Reclamation is a contemporary water management agency and the largest wholesale provider of water in the U.S. All other permits must launch on their scheduled day. Use the following if you givefish,game meat,orparts of game animalsto an individual:Possession Certificate. In 1934-1935 the conservancy district built the El Vado Dam on the Rio Chama about 160 miles (260 km) north of Albuquerque to store irrigation water for use in dry periods. The lake and surrounding area are a major wintering ground for bald eagles and other birds. Fenton Lake: Ice fishing for trout was slow to fair when using tungsten jigs tipped with shrimp. Monday, October 17, 2022, continue established winter closures as follows, Long Point, Lost Canyon, South Highlands, North Highlands, Club Cove, and Three Sisters campground. Rock Lake Hatchery Kids Pond: We had no reports from anglers this week. Release season (July 16 to September 15) flows are augmented for weekends (Friday to Sunday) for boater needs. Red River: Streamflow below the Red River Hatchery on Monday morning was 44 cfs. Albuquerque Area Drains: Fishing for trout was fair when using peach PowerBait. Storage restrictions limit the water surface elevation to 6896.20 feet from June 1 through September 30 and 6,900.0 feet from October through May; however, the restrictions have been relaxed in the past in an attempt to conserve water during years with expected below normal runoff. Water data back to 1914 are available online. There are additional permit stipulations updates. It also accounts for end-of-year releases of San Juan-Chama contract water in Heron Reservoir. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Lake conditions will be monitored and stocking will resume once conditions improve. Posting Dates: 1/10/2023 - 4/1/2023 . The total maximum storage of El Vado Reservoir is about 180,000 acre-feet that is used to store native Rio Grande water for MRGCD and for the six Middle Rio Grande Pueblos, and, by agreement only, San Juan-Chama (SJC) contractors water for MRGCD and other SJC contractors. 3 Mar. Repairs on El Vado Dam are slated to start next spring, leaving it unusable for at least a year to deliver water to the Middle Rio Grande Valley, said Page Pegram of the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission. 1/2/2023 - 4/1/2023. 10/31/2022 - 3/30/2023, Blackjack Campground is closed until further notice, Posting Dates: El Vado, aka Coopers Ranch requires a per person fee the launch site currently $5.00 cash preferred. allocated relinquishment credit water @El Vado Dam. Early Season is from April 15 to July 15 and Release Season from July 16 to September 15. Plan Ahead and Prepare/Camp and Travel on Durable Surfaces, Pact it In, Pack it Out/Leave What You Find. Spread out the use of campsites, which will aid river managers in determining if and where new campsites need to be developed during the river management planning process. Boating, camping, fishing, hiking/backpacking, wildlife viewing. [9] During the Natural season water is releaased from El Vado dam 7 days a week, beginning in April and usually through the third week of June. 11/26/2022 - ongoing. If you are in a canoe or kayak, you can have a good run from El Vado to Chavez Canyon at flows as low as 200 cfs or to Big Eddy, at flows of 300 cfs. FROM THE INTERSECTION OF US 64/84 AND STATE ROAD 112 TURN LEFT ON SR 112 AND GO 13 MILES UNTIL YOU REACH THE EL VADO STATE PARK ROAD AND TURN RIGHT AND TRAVEL 4 MILES TO THE ENTRANCE OF THE PARK. River and streamflowfor New Mexico provided by USGS. Such devices can only be used in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three (3) feet of the device. Access to the Rio Chama River can be gained at the North El Vado Day Use Area. Project Diversion Dams and Tunnels The northern most facility is Blanco Diver-sion Dam on the Rio Blanco. Lake Roberts: We had no reports from anglers this week. Find incredible places and experiences that help you bring home a story through . If you would like to float the Rio Chama, Receation.gov will begin accepting applications on December 1,2020for the 2021season. We have spent many years studying and closely monitoring El Vado Dam, as safety is our top priority, said Albuquerque Area Manager Jennifer Faler. The following Rio Grande Compact (Compact) provisions exist on storage of native Rio Grande Basin water: Under Article VII of the Compact, no storage can occur in reservoirs constructed after 1929 upstream of Elephant Butte Reservoir, including El Vado Reservoir, when total useable Rio Grande Project water in storage at Elephant Butte and Caballo reservoirs is less than 400,000 acre-feet. McGaffey Lake: Stocking efforts have been suspended due to extremely low water levels and unstable ground conditions. Contact El Vado Ranch for questions about fees and services at the privately owned launch site, or about fishing 575-588-7354. The Oliver Lee Ranch House can be viewed with guided tours only. Allow for campsites to be temporarily closed for protection of ground cover vegetation, riparian conditions, resource damage and the enhance impact monitoring., Flows are not guaranteed but are generally augmented Friday through Sunday during the release season dependant on water storage and downstream user needs. Tingley Beach: Fishing for trout was fair to good when using white PowerBait eggs. Harry McAdamsPark Pond: Fishing for trout was very good when using homemade dough bait. Maxwell Lake 13: Closed to boating and fishing until March. Gallinas River: National Forest closures have been in place restricting fishing access. Alto Lake: Fishing for trout was good when using spinners. The use of devices fueled solely by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off is allowed. We may include your story in our next report. This will not affect the water quality. First aid kit adequate for the size of the group and sufficient for treating serious injuries. For updated lake conditions, visit the parks webpage or call the park office at 575-377-1594. The second phase of construction, which includes replacement of the spillway and bridge next to the dam, is scheduled to begin in 2024. ** Arrival dates earlier than the online-reservation-window may also be available at the campground. 2015: Out of Art VII for two months allowing storage of 82,000 a-f @ El Vado Reservoir. and cultural destinations in your zip code and across the country. The dam is 230 feet high and has a crest length of 1,326 feet. No advance reservation is required for a launch after September 15 and before April 15 you simply show up at the launch site, fill out a self permit envelope, pay the fees, and go. Taos NM 87571. D2 - Severe Drought. , 2023 state basketball tournament brackets, Suspect charged in murder of 15-yr-old Gallup boy, Whats happening around New Mexico Feb. 24 Mar. 9/25/2019 - ongoing. El Vado Dam and Reservoir, features of the Middle Rio Grande Project, are located on the Rio Chama about 160 miles north of Albuquerque, New Mexico. The Rio Chama is 120 miles long, making it the third largest tributary of the Rio Grande. Release season (July 16 to September 15) flows are augmented for weekends (Friday to . The 92-year-old, 230ft (70m) high dam is one of the only steel faceplated dams in the country. Contact the U.S. Forest Service, Coyote Ranger District for questions on recreation in the lower stretches (Chavez Canyon and downstream), or resource management of the lower stretch 575-638-5526. No Show policies still apply. ECO Safe, River Bank Toilet, Coleman, Jon-ny Partner, Cleanwaste's GO Anywhere Toilet Kit or Restop 2 are some examples. This wilderness section contains Class II-III rapids. Downstream from the Chavez Canyon access, nine miles of additional class II-III rapids flows along Forest Road 151 to Big Eddy access. Department Weekly Report. Posting Dates: Official websites use .gov Cimarron River: Streamflow near Cimarron Monday morning was not measured due to ice. U.S. Geological Survey. We spent a lot of time and effort coordinating and were able to release it in a pulse from El Vado to Abiquiu intended to move fine sediment that deposits within the gravels in the riverbed, and this hopefully improved the brown trout habitat." Register for the free event at the Rio Chama Congreso, www.sanjuanchama.org/events Share this: Tweet Morphy Lake will close for the season on November 14, 2022. BE/LWnZ 5|Ai4`Ox (1iQYcXq] Z{P@fAcyNSwbnoe+b.3JYAAFy-Z2Xli aa # _;.U@BYu1Nvy[9:]O` 7ot o 4,;|r0@mY C>`  Eagle Rock Lake: We had no reports from anglers this week. Water service to Willow and Blanco campgrounds has been temporarily closed due to an issue with the water system. The dam is 230 feet high and has a crest length of 1,326 feet. Reclamation studied the risks at El Vado Dam and concluded that structural modifications are necessary to ensure the dam can safely and reliably continue to function and serve its beneficiaries. 12/1/2022 - 3/31/2023. Canjilon Lakes: We had no reports from anglers this week. A 5.5-mile scenic trail along the Rio Chama connects El Vado with nearby Heron Lake. EBY discusses construction of hydro station between Yacyret and Aa Cu Nepal professionals trained to improve the countrys hydropower sustainability. and reservations. Eunice Lake: Fishing for trout was fair to good when using corn-flavored PowerBait. For more information, visit El Vado Lake State Park's webpage or call 575-588-7247. Pecos River: Streamflow near Pecos Monday morning was not measured due to ice. Jemez River: George Smithson of Edgewood caught and released a 14-inch brown trout using a size-14 Parachute Adams fly on the lower river Feb. 20. 12/22/2022 - 12/31/2023. The Rio Chama launch calendar is split into two seasons: Early Season and Release Season. Nov. 27El Vado Dam's upcoming renovation will make its lake shallower but could bump up Abiquiu Reservoir's levels if water is diverted there during repairs a process that will affect the. El Vado Lake has rainbow trout, brown trout, perch and small smallmouth bass. Releases from El Vado Reservoir flow through the hydroelectric plant within the maximum and minimum capacities of the plant. Reclamation awarded the contract for the first phase of construction to CARPI USA Inc. and is estimated at about $31 million. 2/24/2021 - ongoing. For rafts over 12' in length the recommended minimum flow is 500 cfs. Due to the ongoing renovation of El Vado Dam and the resultant lack of fishable surface area, ice fishing remains closed TFN. Anglers are encouraged to visit surrounding lakes such as Bear Canyon Lake, Lake Roberts and Trees Lake for alternate fishing locations. The El Vado dam is 229.5 feet (70.0 m) high and 1,326 feet (404 m) long, and holds 196,500 acre-feet (242,400,000 m 3) of water. For questions, call Barry Weinstock at 505-484-8673or BLM Taos Field Office at 575-758-8851. Santa Rosa Lake: We had no reports from anglers this week. San Gregorio Lake: We had no reports from anglers this week. Rio Grande: Streamflow below Elephant Butte Dam on Monday morning was 0 cfs. Liquid (kitchen) waste should be strained into the river. Permit holder must be 18 years old, and individuals may obtain one permit for each season.The Rio Chama has two permit seasons:, The Early Season (April 15 to July 15) weekday flows typically reflect upstream reservoir inflow and weekends are augmented with water being delivered downstream., The Release Season (July 16 to Sept. 15) weekday flows are at minimal levels and weekend flows are augmented.. Comfort Stations located at Willow, Blanco, and Island View campgrounds have been closed for the season. The Drought Monitor focuses on broad-scale conditions. HW]o0}`#VUNvkjZJX 4&&:s{1;#a99$>:">= !Q*^{D:= FH).T@Bp#I ?'6',)kCz6n3N9kkzfHzUwT-F4hg. 3d mvx3m~Ajsr"we%M fbU"D#_p\6q~BU\zH$)n3xFn-g25X2%fnegcfwW}T@l]-ZP,|#v"j.9CrV*`, ****, Rio Grande Basin Water Storage: Abiquiu Reservoirs. Most outfitted trips on the Rio Chama last two days, beginning at Cooper's Ranch just below El Vado Dam and ending 31 miles downstream at Big Eddy takeout. Posting Dates: SJC water released from Heron Reservoir for immediate use downstream of El Vado Reservoir is simply passed through El Vado Dam. After fishing at El Vado Ranch for more than 50 years, I have learned a few things about the stream. All times are listed in local time. The reservoir has a total capacity of 196,500 acre-feet. Channel capacity below El Vado Dam is approximately 4,000 cubic feet per second (cfs). 7/27/2021 - ongoing. Hopewell Lake: We had no reports from anglers this week. 10/1/2022 - 3/31/2023. Playground is closed until further notice, due to safety concerns; Posting Dates: . Implementation of assigned campsites will:, 3. District exhausted all San Juan-Chama supplies in 2013 San Juan-Chama shortages occurred in 2014, 15 and 16. The above table lists scheduled-release information using an alias for each site name. A permit is not required between the Chavez and Big Eddy boat ramps.. Posting Dates: Recreation.gov is your gateway to explore America's outdoor Posting Dates: 1/2/2023 - 4/1/2023 Due to the ongoing renovation of El Vado Dam and the resultant lack of fishable surface area, ice fishing remains closed TFN. Please read the Cancellation Policy. Recent Weekly Fishing Reports: el vado dam release schedule. El Vado Dam can hold back about 60 billion gallons (273 billion liters) of water, but the capacity will be reduced significantly while the repairs are being done. State: New Mexico This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 0 Car camping is popular on the lower 8 miles, and float boaters enjoy two or three day trips on Class II rapids on the entire 31-mile segment (advance permits required), or half-day trips on the lower segment (no advance permits required). Although the lottery only awards Friday launches, lottery winners may launch on either Friday or Saturday. Lake levels are steady but expected to drop as crews work on the El Vado Dam. Between April 15 and September 15, the BLM allows only permitted launches on the Rio Chama from El Vado Dam to Chavez Canyon (21.6 miles). Reclamation regularly performs exams of El Vado Dam as part of the Safety of Dams Program. The dam stores water for irrigation in the Middle Rio Grand Conservancy District, which includes six pueblos, and provides critical flood protection for downstream residents. The Rio Chama, a major tributary of the Rio Grande, flows through the Chama River Canyon Wilderness - a multi-colored sandstone canyon whose walls rise to 1,500 feet above the river as you travel downstream. You may set up your shuttle at Coopers El Vado Ranch office during open hours or call 505-490-2053 or 575-756-8131. Eagle Nest Lake: Ice fishing for trout was good when using salmon-peach PowerBait and green tungsten jigs.