NORTHEAST

NORTHEAST CATCH OF THE WEEK

Cabresto Lake: April Garcia of Albuquerque completed the New Mexico Trout Challenge by catching this Rio Grande cutthroat trout using an olive beadhead caddis fly on Aug. 15.

Lake Maloya: Gideon Gallegos, age 13, of Jarales caught an 18-inch rainbow

trout using pink PowerBait Mice Tails on Aug. 22. His line broke just as he landed the fish.

Rio Pueblo: Rob Vigil caught five trout using worms on Aug. 22.

NORTHEAST FISHING REPORT

Cabresto Lake: Fishing for trout was fair to good when using olive beadhead caddis flies.

Cimarron River: Streamflow near Cimarron Wednesday morning was 23 cubic feet per second (cfs).

Conchas Lake: The most recent report was received Aug. 21. At that time,fishing for largemouth bass was very good when using poor house curly tails.

Cowles Ponds: The most recent report was received Aug. 7. At that time, fishing for trout was slow when using PowerBait.

Eagle Nest Lake: The most recent report was received Aug. 14. At that time, fishing for Kokanee was slow when using Kokanee Killers. The New Mexico Environment Department has reported a potentially harmful algae bloom at the lake and the public is advised to take precautions, including keeping pets out of the water and avoiding swimming in the algae bloom. For updated lake conditions and potential hazards, visit the park’s webpage or call the park office at 575-377-1594.

Gallinas River: The river was recently stocked the first time since the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire.

Harris Pond: The most recent report was received Aug. 7. At that time, fishing for catfish was good when using dough balls.

Hopewell Lake: The most recent report was received Aug. 21. At that time, fishing for trout was fair to good when using Thomas Buoyant lures.

Lake Maloya: Fishing for trout was fair to good when using PowerBait Mice Tails and Pistol Pete flies.

Monastery Lake: Fishing for trout was slow when using worms and Pistol Petes.The lake is part of the Department’s Open Gate Program. Please visit our website for more information about this property.

Pecos River: Streamflow near Pecos Wednesday morning was 206 cfs. The most recent report was received Aug. 14. At that time, fishing for trout was slow when using a variety of dry flies.

Red River: Streamflow below the Red River Hatchery on Wednesday morningwas 46.3 cfs.

Rio Grande: Streamflow below the Taos Junction Bridge on Wednesday morningwas 216 cfs.

Rio Hondo: Streamflow near Valdez Wednesday morning was 11.3 cfs.

Rio Mora: Streamflow near Terrero Wednesday morning was 89 cfs.

Rio Pueblo: Fishing for trout was good when using worms. Streamflow near Peñasco Wednesday morning was 19.4 cfs.

Santa Barbara River: The most recent report was received Aug. 14. At that time, fishing for trout was slow when using Trout Magnet grubs.

Shuree Ponds: Fishing for trout was slow to fair when using flies.

We received no reports for the following waterbodies over the past three weeks: Clayton Lake, Charette Lakes, Costilla Creek, Coyote Creek, Eagle Rock Lake, Lake Alice, Los Pinos River, Maxwell Lake 13, Morphy Lake, Red River City Ponds, Red River Hatchery, Santa Cruz Reservoir, Springer Lake, Storrie Lake, Stubblefield Lake and Ute Lake.

NORTHWEST

NORTHWEST CATCH OF THE WEEK

Abiquiu Lake: Gavin Trujillo caught a smallmouth bass using a wacky-rigged Senko on Aug. 24. “I went with my girlfriend’s family, and we had a slow morning,” he said. “Through a long, long day and catching some bluegille, I was messing around with a wacky rig and I thought I was caught on a rock, but it was this hunk.”

NORTHWEST FISHING REPORT

Abiquiu Lake: Fishing for smallmouth bass was slow to fair when using wacky-rigged Senkos. Contact the Abiquiu Lake Main Office at 505-685-4371 for updated lake conditions and closure information.

Albuquerque Area Drains: The most recent report was received Aug. 21. At that time, fishing for catfish was slow to fair when using chicken breast with Jell-O.

Animas River: Streamflow below Aztec Wednesday morning was 53.5 cfs.

Bluewater Lake: The most recent report was received Aug. 21. At that time,fishing for tiger muskie was good when using Whopper Ploppers and slow when using small, light blue spinners. Visit Bluewater Lake State Park’s webpage or call 505-876-2391 for more information.

Canjilon Lakes: The most recent report was received Aug. 21. At that time,fishing for trout was slow when using spoons and Kastmasters, though it was reported that one angler caught a trout using a live grasshopper.

Cochiti Lake: Fishing for carp was slow to fair when using green carp candy flies.

El Vado Lake: The lake is open to boating and angling with a primitive boat ramp available at the Dam Day Use Area, as well as the main (concrete) boat ramp and courtesy dock at El Vado Lake State Park. For more information, visit El Vado Lake State Park’s webpage or call 575-588-7247.

Fenton Lake: The most recent report was received Aug. 21. At that time,fishing for trout was slow to fair when using Garlic PowerBait. Visit the park’s webpage or call the park office at 575-829-3630 for updates.

Jemez Waters: Streamflow near Jemez Wednesday morning was 18.4 cfs.

Navajo Lake: The most recent report was received Aug. 21. At that time, fishing for northern pike was fair to good when using crankbaits.

Rio Chama: Fishing for trout was very good when using red worms and PowerBait below Abiquiu Lake.Streamflow below El Vado Lake Wednesday morning was 99.8 cfs; streamflow below Abiquiu Lake Wednesday morning was 70.4 cfs.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 only two trout.

Rio Grande: The river is currently dry through Albuquerque.

San Juan River: Streamflow near Archuleta Wednesday morning was 994 cfs. The most recent report was received Aug. 21. At that time, fishing for brown trout was fair to good when using red worms in the bait section and very good when using mouse rat flies in the quality waters. Fishing for rainbow trout was slow to fair when using red worms and salmon eggs in the bait section.

Seven Springs Kids’ Pond: The most recent report was received Aug. 21. At that time, fishing for trout was fair to good when using worms. If you catch a native Rio Grande chub in the Kid’s Pond, please do not leave it on the bank; return it to the water where it can survive as part of our native ecosystem.

We received no reports for the following waterbodies over the past three weeks: Brazos River, Grants Riverwalk Pond, Heron Lake, Jackson Lake, Laguna del Campo, Lagunitas Lakes, Lake Farmington, Liam Knight Pond, McGaffey Lake, Riverside Park Pond (Aztec Pond #1), San Gregorio Lake, Tiger Park Reservoir, Tingley Beach and Trout Lakes.

SOUTHWEST

Caballo Lake State Park Boat Ramp Access Closed

Caballo Lake State Park has closed access to the boat ramp and is prohibiting the use of motorized boats due to extremely low water levels caused by required maintenance around the dam and spillway by the United States Bureau of Reclamation. The maintenance project is expected to continue through the Labor Day weekend. Caballo Lake remains open for canoeing, kayaking and other motorized vessels. (Photo courtesy New Mexico State Parks)

SOUTHWEST FISHING REPORT

Bear Canyon Lake: Fishing conditions have been adversely affected in the aftermath of the Trout Fire.

Caballo Lake: The boat ramp has been closed and use of motorized boats is prohibited because of low water levels.Visit Caballo Lake State Park’s websitefor more information.

Elephant Butte Lake: The most recent report was received Aug. 14. At that time, fishing for white bass was very good when using topwater Whopper Ploppers. Fishing for catfish was slow to fair when using blood bait.

Escondida Lake: The most recent report was received Aug. 21. At that time,fishing for catfish was slow to fair when using hot dogs with Kool-Aid.

Gila River: The most recent report was received Aug. 7. At that time, fishing for Gila trout was very good when using elk-hair caddis flies near the Catwalk. Streamflow near Gila Wednesday morning was 33.4 cfs.

Gila Waters: Streamflow near Gila Hot Springs Wednesday morning was 39.5 cfs.

Glenwood Pond: The most recent report was received Aug. 21. At that time, fishing for trout was very good when using PowerBait.

Percha Dam: The most recent report was received Aug. 21. At that time, fishing for brown trout was fair to good when using worms.

Quemado Lake: The most recent report was received Aug. 21. At that time, fishing for trout was slow to fair when using Garlic PowerBait.

Rancho Grande Ponds: The most recent report was received Aug. 14. At that time, fishing for catfish was good when using chicken liver and worms.

Rio Grande: Streamflow below Elephant Butte Dam on Wednesday morning was 0.25 cfs.

Young Pond: The most recent report was received Aug. 7. At that time, fishing for bluegill was very good when using hot dogs and shrimp.

We received no reports for the following waterbodies over the past three weeks: Bill Evans Lake, Lake Roberts, Snow Lake and Trees Lake.

SOUTHEAST

SOUTHEAST CATCH OF THE WEEK

Greene Acres Lake: Mariah Mae caught two catfish using liver and nightcrawlers on Aug. 19. “It was a wonderful night of fishing – catch and release,” she said.

SOUTHEAST FISHING REPORT

Bataan Lake: The most recent report was received Aug. 7. At that time, fishing for catfish was fair to good when using special-made bait.

Berrendo Creek: Fishing for catfish was fair to good when using bacon. Please visit the Open Gate webpage for more information on this property.

Black River: Streamflow at Malaga Wednesday morning was 23.3 cfs.

Bonito Lake: Fishing for trout was slow to fair when using worms and PowerBait.Only fishing activities are permitted at Bonito Lake.

Brantley Lake: The most recent report was received Aug. 7. At that time, fishing for largemouth bass was good when using nightcrawlers.

Carlsbad Municipal Lake: The most recent report was received Aug. 7. At that time, fishing for catfish was good when using nightcrawlers.

Green Meadow Lake: The most recent report was received Aug. 14. At that time, fishing for bass was fair to good when using lures.

Greene Acres Lake: Fishing for catfish was fair to good when using liver and nightcrawlers.

Grindstone Reservoir: The most recent report was received Aug. 14. At that time, fishing for trout was very good when using Rainbow PowerBait and Pistol Pete red tails. Grindstone Reservoir is currently open for fishing. Due to changing wildlife impact closures, please see the Grindstone Reservoir Webpagebefore planning a visit.

Lake Van: The most recent report was received Aug. 14. At that time, fishing for catfish was good when using hot dogs.

Oasis Park Lake: The most recent report was received Aug. 14. At that time, fishing for catfish was slow to fair when using stink bait.

Pecos River: Streamflow below Sumner Lake Wednesday morning was 98 cfs.

Rio Ruidoso: Streamflow at Hollywood on Wednesday morning was 122 cfs. Fishing conditions will be adversely affected for an extended period of time due to recent flooding in the area.

Sumner Lake: The most recent report was received Aug. 7. At that time, anglers reported good conditions for carp fishing.

We received no reports for the following waterbodies over the past three weeks: Alto Lake, Blue Hole Park Pond, Bosque Redondo Lake, Bottomless Lakes, Chaparral Park Lake, Corona Pond, Dennis Chavez Pond, Estancia Park Lake, Eunice Lake, Harry McAdams Park Pond, Jal Lake, Ned Houk Ponds, Perch Lake, Rio Bonito, Rock Lake Hatchery Kids’ Pond, Santa Rosa Lake, Spring River Pond and Timberon Ponds.

TIPS, TRICKS AND STORIES

Build Jig Lures for Stripers

By Lloyd R. Brockus III
Photos by Lloyd R. and Sylvia J. Brockus

Editor’s Note: We are digging into our archives to bring you some tips, tricks and stories from the past. This week, we’re going back to the May-June 1984 edition of New Mexico Wildlife for some tips on how to make your own jig lures for catching striped bass.

Make your own jigs? Sure, why not? These little lures are remarkably easy to build at home. It’s hard to believe such a simple lure can be so effective on bass and stripers.

Bass fishermen for years have relied on the jig to entice black bass from their deep-water haunts. The lead head and upturned hook allow the lure to be fished right to bass-holding cover, and the jig is a top producer of bass during the warm summer months when the fish go deep to find comfortable waters. The simple bucktail dressing has been a standard, but some fishermen prefer to dress the hook with “pork rind” to give that extra enticement.

In recent times the jig has fallen in popularity among many bass-fishing enthusiasts. Plastic worms, crank baits, newfangled spinners and buzz baits seem fashionable among the modern bass fishermen… but the jig seems to be making a comeback.

New designs in “pork” dressing are presently available. Strips are cut to twist and turn to add considerably to the action of the jig. Many companies are making plastic grubs with twisting tails that can be used with jig heads, and many fishermen feel these plastic adornments are as effective as “pork.”

A part of the jig’s return to popularity must be contributed to these new adornments, but there seems to be another contributing factor. Striped bass fishermen have found that the jig in larger sizes is as irresistible to the striper as to the black bass. While black-bass fishermen used the jig to search deep structures to entice a moss- back from cover, striper anglers have found the larger versions will raise a strike from ol’ linesides as well.

The jig lends itself well to working rocky cover frequented by bass. Rocky shore lines or the contours of the lake bottom prove great haunts for black bass, but they are also attractive to shad, the principal food source for stripers. Here the jig can be cast and allowed to settle to the structure, then retrieved slowly, following the contours.

While black bass are almost always associated with some form of structure, stripers often suspend at a given depth in open water. These fish are as easy to locate on a fish finder as is the structure, and graph locators make this task. especially simple. Schools of stripers are detected because of their size, but an added clue is that stripers tend to stack vertically, rather than spreading in a single plane over a large area.

Once the school is located, the jig is especially well suited for the task of luring these fish from the depths.

Lower the jig to the desired depth, and vertical-jig at the depth the stripers are holding, by simply raising and lowering the rod tip.

Stripers do not always hang in the depths, but may instead work near the surface. Then the jig is cast and retrieved like a crank bait. To vary the depth of retrieval, use the countdown method. When the lure hits the surface, allow it to settle while counting. The longer the count, the deeper the lure settles. Begin with a short count, say three, and make several casts, beginning the retrieve at this count. If strikes fail to come, extend the count until a productive depth is discovered.

It’s the versatility in presentation that makes the jig especially effective, but it’s simplicity that makes it appealing to the do-it-yourself lure builder.

Step-by-step instructions accompanying the photographs show you how to make your own jigs and get in on the fishing action.

1. Jig molds come in variety of types and vary in price. This one allows several sizes to be cast; other molds accommodate several jigs of the same size. Hooks are placed into the mold, which is closed. Molten lead is poured into the cavities and may be prepared with a commercial pot or with a small saucepan and ladle, using the kitchen stove or a workshop hotplate. Excess lead is trimmed with side-cutting pliers. Molds for hook sizes 1 or 1/0 are fine for bass jigs. Striper jigs may take hooks as large as 3/0.

2. If you intend to use any of the newer plastic grubs on your jigs, epoxy paint must be used so the plastic will not melt the paint. These paints are mixed one-to-one. The basic color is brushed on and allowed to dry. The eye is added by dipping the tip of a dowel pin into a contrasting paint color. For a two-toned eye, add a smaller dot inside the first, using a smaller dowel pin.

3. For buck tail or live rubber skirtings, you need a fly-tier’s vice and a bobbin for silk. Cheaper vices will work fine for large jig hooks, but may not service smaller hooks. Good bobbins will run about $2. Put the thread in the bobbin and mount the hook. Tie silk to the jig with two half hitches, then lay a foundation of a half dozen wraps of thread and tie another half hitch. Add a touch of head cement to the foundation and leave silk bobbin attached to the jig.

4. Hair is applied in two ties to avoid awkward handling. Cut a small bundle from a buck tail, available in several colors. Hold hair above the shank and make two or three loose wraps, pulling hair over the shank. Then take four to six tight wraps and tie with a half hitch. Leave silk attached and apply another drop of cement. You can make two ties of a single color or make two-toned jigs. The lure is fished with the hook point up, so if you want a light “belly” and a dark “black, ” tie the darker color first and the lighter color second. Try experimenting with colors.

5. After securing the second bundle, continue to wrap to form a smooth body. Tie off the silk with two half hitches at the base of the wrappings. If you pull the silk tight with the half hitches, the deer hair will flare. Cut the silk close to the wrap and apply a generous coat of head cement. Use the same procedure when tying a jig of a single color.

6. Some fishermen prefer a live rubber skirting. Commercial types are available, but tying your own can save money, and a sparser skirt has more freedom to “work.” Cut a length of material a half inch longer than the exposed part of the hook. Make four to six wraps at the base of the shank and tie off the silk with a half hitch. Add a second piece of rubber on the other side, then wind a smooth wrap and tie it off with two half hitches. Apply a coat of head cement and cut the silk after it dries. When pulled and cut, the skirting separates into supple fibers.

7. If you don’t want buck tail or skirting, the painted jig heads can be adorned with plastic grubs or twist tails. Other treatments, such as Sassy Shad plastic bodies and live rubber skirts like those on Hula Poppers, can be used as well. You’re ready to try these new offerings to bass or striper.