Per Steve Romero of the Pecos Ranger Station:

Hello: Just want to give you early notice, due to a high fire danger and predicted weather, the Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District will begin Stage 1 fire restrictions beginning May 14. This basically means campfires outside developed campgrounds are prohibited. Gas/propane grills are still ok to use outside the developed campgrounds. Please call if you have any questions. thanks, Steve

The Pecos Ranger Station phone number is 505-757-6121

For the state restrictions please see our Face Book Post as it is rather extensive.

Additionally please note that many of the out houses have been locked in the Pecos Canyon and trash bins have been removed due to budget issues. Please bring a shovel to dig a hole and bury your tissue paper and pack your trash out to a proper trash disposal location. Thank you!

Today is the big day! Conrad and Jaclyn get married! We will celebrate and dance until dawn!

As of winter 2012, we will continue to operate the Store and Post office, however will no longer be in the horse business. It has been a long hard decision and as many have said “the end of an era.” We sincerely regret any disappointment this decision may cause you and your family. We would like to thank all of our “stable” friends, and clients for your friendship and support. We have enjoyed seeing each one of you “grow up” with our horses over the years. Although the horses won’t be available we hope to still see you in the coming years at the store.
Thank you, The Ley Family

To answer many of your questions:
As many of you know we used to run upwards to 50 horses in our string and as such we have quite a bit of surplus tack and equipment which we will be selling off. We also have one VERY nice gentle black and white paint horse, “Sampson” still available for sale. Please contact us via FB messages or email if you are interested. Thanks!

It was a beautiful year and the store is now closed for the Season - We will reopen May 1st.

For those interested in Calendars for 2013, I plan to have them out the end of November. Please contact me via email if you wish to order one: icecrystals_99@yahoo.com

If anyone is interested in Winter overnight camping stays in the Pecos Wilderness please contact Richard at 505-757-6176

Please be aware that the Jacks Creek Campground hosts left for the season Saturday and Sunday respectively. Monday between 9am and 5pm someone cut the brake lines, electrical lines, and fuel lines on two trucks. Luckily the fuel which spilled on the ground below one of the trucks alerted the owners and casualties were avoided.

Many of you know how steep the road is in places from Jacks Creek down to the Mora River and given this how someone could knowingly endager someone's life is beyond imagining.

Please be aware of anyone acting suspicious in this or any campground and report it to the State Police as well as the Forest Service. Also please check over your vehicle carefully before moving it.

We had snow on the peaks and along the skyline trail this past week which stayed in some areas until Monday. Lows were in high 20's to low 30's. Monday saw rain up to 8,500 ft elevation and snow/sleet on to 13,000 ft elevation. The days have warmed up while the nights stay cool.

Today the day time temperatures dipped and from noon on it's been overcaste with a continuously drizzling rain. The temperature at 6:45 pm is 50 degrees. The weatherman is calling for high winds tonight into the morning and rain showers throughout tomorrow.

The store has now gone to it's fall hours:
9:00 Am to 2:00 Pm weekdays
9:00 Am to 4:00 Pm weekends

The following hunt seasons have started or are in full swing:

Grouse - shotgun or 22 hunt
Deer and Elk - Archery hunts
Bear - any legal weapon, during the Deer and Elk Archery hunts they may not be hunted with dogs.
Squirrel - just seeing if you are paying attention! They are really in season though!

We received a VERY light sprinkle this afternoon and it is currently overcaste which is making for a nice cool afternoon.

Western Etiquette: If the gate is open, leave it open; If the gate is closed, leave it closed! ie leave the gate the way you found it!

The first ground bees were spotted just north of Jacks Creek along the trail due north of the glacier rock pile just after you top out - on Monday. I went through there yesterday looking for them and couldn't find them so perhaps someone already took care of them.

Do be aware that the bees are now appearing for the season - if you are riding and you horse starts acting up: kick him/her on out of them instead of holding the horse up! Also holler bees so those following you can look for an alternate route or prepare to ride hell bent for election on through them. Typically the first 4 horses stir them up and those following start getting stung. Once about 20 feet from the nest the bees will leave you alone.

Brandy's bighorn sheep photos have been posted to Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/TererroGeneralStoreRidingStablesInc

The weather in the wilderness has been absolutely perfect the last three days and for anyone wanting to get away - we only saw 4 people above 10,000 feet!

We hope to see everyone Labor Day Weekend! CAmpers are already rolling in to claim their favorite spots.

.08 of an inch of rain was received today.

As many of you know we have hops vines which grow around the yard. They have now reached their prime ie before the pods start to turn brown and so anyone that would like to have some hops for homemade beer please do call us. The only criteria is you have to cut the vine 6 inches above the ground and take the entire vine. (505) 757-6193 Please make sure you bring gloves (the vines are prickly) and garbage bags.

Brandy and crew will be out either Wednesday or Thursday. I am headed into the wilderness to help pull out our sheep camp so will catch up on anything come Friday.

Hope to see everyone out here camping, fishing, hiking, riding and just generally enjoying the cool mountains over Labor Day Weekend.

Brandy got her bighorn sheep today! As soon as she gets out of the woods we will have stats for you!

Photos to be posted to the facebook page which even if you aren't a member you can see them by logging into the following:

http://www.facebook.com/TererroGeneralStoreRidingStablesInc

For all the would be MUSHROOM hunters - the mushrooms are out on the Jacks creek/Pecos Baldy Trail....and if anyone takes the little puffball growing on the horse section of the Jacks Creek trail - not only do they have some explaining to do but they better share!!!!

We had .41 inches of rain yesterday at Tererro, while I took a day ride to Pecos Baldy and remained dry throughout the day! Pure luck I am sure; Today we just had a sprinkling of rain which wasn't even worth recording.

Fishermen are finding it difficult to catch fish as each evening it is presumed worms are being washed into the river by the afternoon rains and the fish just aren't all that hungry! The river has maintained it's regular season levels and is running clear.

This weekend is supposed to be sunny and clear for any would be campers.

Saturday we received .52 inches of rain. Sunday into this morning we have accumulated another .46 inches of rain.

Whether its because the schools are back in session, or that the public thinks the entire canyon is temorarily closed due to the indian ceremonies going on - instead of just the Tererro and Holy Ghost campground - the pecos canyon is VERY quiet at this time with only one or two campers in each campground. The fishermen who are here are really enjoying thier solitude on the river and fall is definately in the air here.

CAMPGROUND, FISHING AREA AT TERRERO TO CLOSE TEMPORARILY

TERRERO – The campground, picnic area and fishing access to the Pecos River on State Game Commission property at Terrero will be closed from 8 a.m. Monday, Aug. 20, through 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 24, the Department of Game and Fish announced.

The temporary administrative closure will affect only the commission-owned property on the west side of the river at Terrero. All other commission properties, including the Bert Clancy, Mora and Jamie Koch areas, will remain open. Anglers and campers also will find plenty of fishing access and camping opportunities on U.S. Forest Service lands in Pecos Canyon.

For more information, please visit the Department website, www.wildife.state.nm.us or call (505) 476-8000. Information about U.S. Forest Service lands and campgrounds is available by calling (505) 757-6121.

Blue Grouse Permits
A free Blue Grouse Permit is no longer required.

Blue Grouse Seasons
Hunt Area GS-1 (Pecos Canyon /wilderness area)
Season Dates Sept. 1-Oct. 15
Bag/Possession = 3 per day, 6 in possession

Grouse may be taken with shotguns
firing shot, including muzzle-loading shotguns, rim-fire
...and muzzle-loading firearms, bows and crossbows.

The State Game Commission recommends that
hunters use nontoxic shot for all small game hunting.

The temporary closure (see previous posts)is due to the Jemez Pueblo Indians holding their annual ceremonial retreat at the cave in the Tererro Campground and for the first time including the Holy Ghost area in their ceremonies.

CAMPGROUND, FISHING AREA AT TERRERO TO CLOSE TEMPORARILY

TERRERO – The campground, picnic area and fishing access to the Pecos River on State Game Commission property at Terrero will be closed from 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 17 through 8 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 25, the Department of Game and Fish announced.

The temporary administrative closure will affect only the commission-owned property on the west side of the river at Terrero. All other commission properties, including the Bert Clancy, Mora and Jamie Koch areas, will remain open. Anglers and campers also will find plenty of fishing access and camping opportunities on U.S. Forest Service lands in Pecos Canyon.

For all the would be grouse hunters - I HAVE been seeing grouse EVERYWHERE this year. I do have one advantage in that I have this little dog that absolutely loves flushing them although he doesn't know what to do with them afterwards. It should shape up to be an excellant grouse season. Good luck everyone!

Also good luck to all the Bighorn Sheep Hunters - say "hi" when you see us on the mountain as Brandy has her tag too! Fun Fun Fun!

Sunday we received an inch of rain and so far this evening (Monday) we've received .15 inches of rain and small hail. Given the black wall of water, seen north of us and easing it's way down the canyon, we are sure to have heavy rain later tonight.

The New Mexico Game and Fish stocked fish this evening.

The Forest Service will be TEMPORARILY closing Holy Ghost Campground, Trailhead, and Trail 283 from Monday, August 20th at 3pm to Wednesday, August 22nd at midnight.

The New Mexico Department of Game & Fish stocked the Pecos River from Cowles south to Pecos yesterday evening. They are HEAVILY stocking the river removing excess fish from the Glenwood Hatchery in part because the ash from the early summer fires there have clogged the rivers. It is very sad for them but VERY nice for us here to have so many extra fish! Presently there is absolutely no excuse for not catching a fish along the Pecos River. Fishermen are reporting that these fish are extremely hungry and biting on anything you throw at them.

The river is running clear with normal flow levels for this time of year.

The Pecos River dropped back down to a respectable level and about noon began to run more green than muddy however, the clouds have built all day coming in from the south east and currently we are receiving a VERY heavy rain downpour. Expect the river to run muddy and high again for the next couple of days.

Footnote: The rain stopped after 10 minutes. The river went back to green and now at 6:10pm looking up the canyon the skies are looking like there is a strong possibility it may rain again this evening. Grass Mountain, Cowles area are reporting that they are receiving rain currently.

Sunday appeared overcaste for most of the day and sporadic showers were experienced throughout the mountains. Late afternoon the cloud cover broke up and large thunderheads began to form. At 3 am Monday morning an extremely heavy rain fell for approximately an hour dropping .62 inches of rain. The river has since been running high, muddy, and fast making for VERY difficult fishing conditions. Currrently it's 80 degrees with lots of sun, blue skies and a few fluffy white clouds.

Thunderheads last night produced sporadic rain showers across the mountains. Today it was indigo blue skies with fluffy white clouds and mild temperatures. This eveing a light rain fell at Terrro and the night is very cool. Tomorrow it is expected to have a very high chance for rain showers with the rain moving out Sunday evening.

The New Mexico Game and Fish Department did not stock this week and fishing has been poor. They are expected to stock next week.

Fishing along the Rito Del Padre just above the Pecos Box, Stweart Lake, and the Rio Valdez jsut above the confluence w3ith the Mora River however is excellant for anyone using grasshoppers as bait.

Currently it is 7:57pm and 57 degrees outside. Today's high ranged from 78 degrees at Tererro to 71 degrees at Beatty's Flats. The skies were bluer than blue and the clouds were fluffy and white! It has been a beautiful week so far.

The Calliope hummingbirds are now here and if you've the patience to wait until the Broadtail and Rufus have finished eatting you will see them light on the feeders.

Jacks Creek Equestian Loop is currently 90% full -please plan to bring your own method for corralling your horses as all pens have been taken. Everyone currently appears to be a friendly bunch.

Well the last two days accumulation of rain at Tererro (it's been a spotty bit of rain!) was .5 inches! Basically the mornings are pretty with blue skies and slowly the fluffy clouds build, then look ominous in the late afternoon. Sometime after 3pm there is rain in various locations - today it was a drizzly rain at Pecos Baldy for about an hour and elsewhere hit or miss.

The rain has been effectively making for chilluy nights and during the rain sweatshirts and a medium jacket are required as the temperature drops a good 10 degrees. Campers should bring an extra pair of shoes or mud boots - although the ground does quickly absorb the moisture so most mornings are damp but no puddles to speak of.

Worms and Red Salmon eggs are working equally well on the Pecos River. Fly fisherman are stating that the Grasshopper, Humpy and Green Drakes are currently the most consistant along the upper Pecos River and at Cowles.
The Pecos River was last stocked on July 19th.

For all the hummingbird watchers - the babies have been flying for the last two weeks and the feeders at the store are usually three layers deep with birds. Best viewing times are mornings 7 to 9am and evenings 6 to 8pm.

Currently it's deep blue skies, fluffy white clouds and a warm 97 degrees in the sun but a light breeze to off set it.

We haven't received any rain for the last two days although it has clouded up each afternoon which makes the temperature ideal.

The animals last night were busy putting the WILD back in wildlife - The campground immediately above Tererro ie within the first eighth of a mile was visited by a naughty skunk - perhaps Pepe Le Pew! And he left quite the calling card! While the campground just north of Windy Bridge was visited by a family of Raccoons which while highly entertaining did make quite a mess for folks to clean up this morning.

Yesterday Tererro received .35 inches of rain and while it did not rain here today it did rain extensively throughout the Pecos Wilderness and some light hail was noted at Pecos Baldy Lake.

The fishermen that have been braving the afternoon rains report that the Elk Hair Caddis is the fly that is working the best on the Pecos River. Worms are out performing the red salmon eggs due in part to the muddy waters of the Pecos.

Received .25 inches of rain this afternoon.

As the week progresses we are expected to have less and less rain with the weekend being perfectly sunny. The storm that was expected to arrive Monday of next week is now expected to pass us on by so next week is looking goood for the fair weather rider or hiker. Current temperature at 8:18pm is 50 degrees.

Again fire restrictions are being lifted as of tomorrow morning.

Yesterday evening we received an additional .10 inches of rain. Today we received .12 inches of rain and currently have blue skies with sporadic cloud cover. The temperature is 65 degrees and still.

The weather is supposed to improve towards the end of the week meaning less of a chance of rain so the weekend should be about as perfect as one could ask for.

Fire restrictions are to be lifted on Thursday, July 12th. The Pecos Wilderness and Pecos Canyon campgrounds will be open to campfires. It's time for hot dogs, hamburgers, and more importantly S'Mores!

The rain which began this morning at 9am fell fast and furious! There was 1.25 inches in the rain gage as of 1pm and we are still receiving sporadic showers. So bring a tarp when you come camping!

Saturday, July 7th it began raining about 10am with periodic glimpses of watery sunlight throughout the day. Anyone who went to Lake Katherine would probably say they never saw the sunlight for all the fog and rain. The lake itself was only visible for about 10 minutes before the weather socked it in for the rest of the day. Rain received at Tererro was .40 inches.

Although Lake Katherine again received a steady down pour today, Pecos Baldy Lake had ideal conditions with regards to sun and temperature. After 4pm it began to develope some dark clouds over the summit with a strong possibility of rain tonight. Tererro received .45 inches of rain today. Rain was also received on everything east of Round Mtn. north to the Skyline Trail and south to Elk Mountain.

The trail between Noisy Brook and Beatty's Cabin has now been cleared of all downed logs. Thanks to everyone who participated in this project.

The the upper bridge at Stewart Lake nearest the overflow needs to be replaced as there are numerous weak spots and a large hole in it - horsemen are advised to take the lower trail just prior to the lake where the sign "lake basin closed to camping" is (stay left there) along the old trail which currently has a leaning log just off it to the right which gives the appearance of this trail being blocked. The trail in reality goes around this leaning log to the left. A new log fell between Stewart Lake and the turn off to Lake Katherine etc. This log can be navigated around if you go up the hillside about 15 feet.

The second sign for Lake Katherine has been broken but "trail 25" is still visible so please note the trails AND their numbers prior to traversing them.

Currently the Stage 2 fire restrictions remain in place however we will be sure to update the webpage when these restrictions are changed or lifted.

Saturday, July 7th it began raining about 10am with periodic glimpses of watery sunlight throughout the day. Anyone who went to Lake Katherine would probably say they never saw the sunlight for all the fog and rain. The lake itself was only visible for about 10 minutes before the weather socked it in for the rest of the day. Rain received at Tererro was .40 inches.

Although Lake Katherine again received a steady down pour today, Pecos Baldy Lake had ideal conditions with regards to sun and temperature. After 4pm it began to develope some dark clouds over the summit with a strong possibility of rain tonight. Tererro received .45 inches of rain today. Rain was also received on everything east of Round Mtn. north to the Skyline Trail and south to Elk Mountain.

The trail between Noisy Brook and Beatty's Cabin has now been cleared of all downed logs. Thanks to everyone who participated in this project.

The the upper bridge at Stewart Lake nearest the overflow needs to be replaced as there are numerous weak spots and a large hole in it - horsemen are advised to take the lower trail just prior to the lake where the sign "lake basin closed to camping" is (stay left there) along the old trail which currently has a leaning log just off it to the right which gives the appearance of this trail being blocked. The trail in reality goes around this leaning log to the left. A new log fell between Stewart Lake and the turn off to Lake Katherine etc. This log can be navigated around if you go up the hillside about 15 feet.

The second sign for Lake Katherine has been broken but "trail 25" is still visible so please note the trails AND their numbers prior to traversing them.

Currently the Stage 2 fire restrictions remain in place however we will be sure to update the webpage when these restrictions are changed or lifted.

Yesterday we had a steady .13 inches of rain and today it has rained on and off producing .03 inches of rain with more expexted this evening.

Due to the rain the trails are quite muddy so if hiking plan on wet weather gear. The rain is also dropping the temperatures so sweatshirts and medium weight jackets are usually needed in the evenings.

With these frequent rains everything is becoming VERY green and once again we are seeing deer in and around the campgrounds enjoying the vegetation so do watch out for them in the evenings if driving up the canyon.

We hope everyone had a GREAT holiday!
Happy Fourth of July!
Again we received rain in the amount of .35 inches on the 4th of July - HELLO Monsoon season!

It is currently 44 degrees outside - "refreshingly cool" with rain forecast for this afternoon.

Rain Report:
Yesterday July 2nd .89 of an inch of rain total.
Today July 3rd .25 of an inch of rain so far.

Weather:
We have recieved rain for the past 3 days! Yesterday we received 1/10 of an inch, and the day before that we haven't got a measurement, (see earlier blog for the reason) but today it started at 10am and has continued to rain off and on - so far we have 1/4 of an inch!

Hikers reported heavy hail yesterday from Truchas to Jacks Creek (actual creek above Jacks Creek Campground) which "looked like snow." be advised you should bring rain gear and a medium wieght jacket as it does get VERY chilly after a hail/rain storm here in the mountains.

Trails:
The Pecos Baldy Trail is now completely clear.
The Beatty's Trail from Noisy Brook to Beatty's Flats has yet to be cleared but can be navigated around.

Fishing:
The rivers are running muddy and worms are working the best for bait. In addition to the flies mentioned in earlier posts the Royal Coachman is also working quite well as are Grey Duns.

Although most of the ATV people know about Elk Mountain few people drive up the Davis Willow Road to explore it because it is off the water. It takes approximately 2 hours to get to the top of Elk Mountain. The dirt road is 14 miles long, winding through aspen groves, along scenic overlooks and eventually tops out at a tower where you experience a breathtaking scenic 360 degree view of the wilderness. Presently the area is lush, grass is about knee high, and the wildlife abounds. If you can make the time this is a desination you shouldn't miss while here in the Pecos Canyon. (see pictures on Facebook: Tererro General Store & Riding Stables, Inc.)

Attention motorists:
The Civil Air Patrol (Air force Cadets) are doing their annual training here in the canyon so please be advised to watch your speed on the roads and look ahead along the road as these cadets are usually out running early in the morning and evenings.

Please also be aware the guard rails are giving motorists the appearance of the road having been narrowed – therefore be cautious driving around bends in the road for oncoming traffic.

Fire Restrictions:
Stage 2 restrictions are still in effect (see older posts for explanation of what this means).

Rain:
Today we received a nice rain for about 30 minutes - enough to keep the dust down and reduce the temperature 5 to 10 degrees. We don't have a reading on the rain gauge because Sherry watered her garden yesterday and inadvertently filled the rain gauge to the brim!

Fishing:
Fishing is still very good for Browns predominately. Flies currently working are the Light Elk Haired Caddis, Adams, Female Adams and Yellow Humpy. Worms are working best from just below Tererro north to Mora campground while Red Salmon eggs are working best near Dalton.

Current trail reports:
Pecos Baldy Trail - one log down on the trail nearest the lake but which can be navigated around.
Beattys trail from Jacks Creek - Numerous logs down from Noisy Brook on north into Beatty's Flats. All can be navigated around, at the large ponderosa pine north bound detour a person would be wisest to get off and lead their horse around as the detour is steep and soft which make the unsure horse wary. The return route a horse will work to climb up but can be negotiated fairly easily. Delford (the old Jacks Creek Equestrian Campground host) is currently at Jacks and is aware of the problem so he may go in to attempt to clear these logs. Any help on this trail would be appreciated by hikers and horsemen alike.

Bighorn sheep are currently at Truchas Lake although one ewe has been consistently sited at Pecos Baldy Lake.

It's been so warm that there have been many people seen swimming in the mountain lakes and the Pecos river...no skinny dippers as yet! The water is still quite cool (according to the shrieks heard) but you quickly warm up once on dry land.

Many campers are already arriving in preparation to the 4th of July - Camp sites in order from Pecos to Jacks Creek are as follows:
Dalton, Field Tract (camp host), Windy Bridge - north of bridge, Bert Clancy, Holy Ghost (additionally has a private pavilion group camping area for rental from the US Forest Service), Tererro, 1/2 mile north of Tererro - dispersed camping (ie not developed), Davis Willow - is off the river (just passed the campground is 14 miles of dirt road ideal for isolated camping and the only area for ATV use), Jamie Koch Pavilion - at Willow Creek (can be rented from the NM Game and Fish Dept), Mora Campground, Iron Gate campground (be advised this is a very rough dirt road and not recommended for low clearance vehicles - has horse corrals available - off river and no water available)Windsor - has two 3/4 sheltered campsites nearest the Cowles Ponds, Jacks Creek has three options: North - private pavilion (is available for rent from the US Forest Service) as well as a camp host for designated campsites in the same area which makes for a quieter campground. South - Equestrian camping facilities also has a camp host (horse corrals and water available)

If you have camping preferences and aren't sure which camp grounds may meet your needs please contact us and we will help to narrow your options based on your criteria.

Given that our forests are still green while elsewhere in the state there are forest fires, the Forest Service and NM Game and Fish Dept. are restricting campfires (no campfires) in the Santa Fe National Forest - these restriction are applicable to the Pecos Wilderness as well. Effective Monday, June 18th.

YOU CAN still camp, fish, hike, ride in the forests however instead of building a campfire you will have to use propane stoves. SMOKING IS PROHIBITTED except within your vehicle.

Please be conscious of how quickly a fire can get out of control. Our beautiful forest is one of the few forests still open in the state of NM. Use care when lighting your stoves and dispose of matches properly.

Fishing Report:
Throughout the months of June and July the New Mexico Department of Game & Fish will be stocking the rivers EVERY week with the following fish numbers:

Cowles to Tererro (Ponds/Pecos River) 1,500 fish
Mora River 700 fish
Holy Ghost 400 to 500 fish
Windy Bridge Area (near the Fire Station) to Dalton 1,100 fish
Monastery Lake 950 fish
The Village of Pecos (Pecos River) 500 fish

Although we only received a very light sprinkle out of the cloud cover yesterday we are still green! The days are perfect and the evenings are cool. Do bring a form of bug spray if you plan to hike the trails or fish - the flies are a little pushy in the afternoon.

the bighorn sheep are thick at Pecos Baldy Lake so if you are interested in seeing them now is the time to hike, or ride up there and view them - everything from Rams to Lambs!

Fish were stocked in the Pecos River today from Pecos to Cowles. Fishermen are currently catching stocker size 8 to 10 inch and are enjoying the plentiful amount of fish in the river. Many are practicing catch and release methods. The river was relatively quiet with regards to the number of fishermen.

Stone Fly Nymphs, Stimulators and May Fly flies are working well on the water as are red salmon eggs.

.58 of an inch of rain was received at Tererro yesterday. It rained strong and steady from noon until about 6:30pm. The butterflies have been the most appreciative of the rain and are VERY thick in and around Cowles drinking out of the varies rain puddles.

We had a small lightening strike fire near El Macho yesterday evening however today we have had a strong steady rain for the last two hours which is serving to insure that there are no lingering aspects of fire and hopefully this will lift the stage 1 fire restrictions we've been under since last Friday.

When this rain stops we'll let you know what our rain gauge says we received.

SANTA FE – State Game Commission properties in the Santa Fe National Forest, including campgrounds and fishing areas in Pecos Canyon are under Stage 1 fire restrictions because of extreme fire danger, the Department of Game and Fish announced today. Adjoining areas under the guidence of the US Forest Service in the forest are also under Stage 1 restrictions.

Stage 1 restrictions limit campfires to designated camp and picnic grounds, where fires must be safely contained within a developed recreation site. • Campfires are ALLOWED ONLY in DEVELOPED Recreation Sites: Cowles CG, Field Tract CG, Holy Ghost CG, Jacks Creek Complex, Iron Gate CG, Panchuela CG, Windy Bridge Picnic Site, Monastery Lake, Bert Clancy Campground, Terrero Campground, Jamie Koch Campground and Day Use Area, Links Tract and Mora Campground
Smoking is permitted only in vehicles or buildings, in developed recreation sites, or in areas cleared at least three feet in diameter of all flammable material. Possessing, discharging or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device is prohibited.

Gas and propane stoves, lanterns or heating devices are permitted in the forest providing such devices meet the fire underwriter’s specifications for safety.

Game Commission properties in Pecos Canyon remain open for fishing, camping and picnics. They include the Dalton, Bert Clancy, Terrero, Mora and Jamie Koch areas. Fire restrictions also apply to Monastery Lake, Links Tract, fish hatcheries and other commission-owned properties.

The Stone Fly/May Fly hatch is slowly working it's way up the canyon from Dalton Fishing site and fish are biting very well on the orange stone flies, stimulators and gold spinners. Worms and grasshoppers are working the best in the Cowles ponds. Free fishing day is Saturday,June 2nd.

The bighorn sheep have just begun shedding their winter coats. There were 8 ewes and one young ram at Pecos Baldy Lake Thursday, May 31. Trailriders Wall still has a lot of snow on it but alternate routes around it are easily navigated.

Winds were high this past weekend and last night it got down to 20 degrees.The frost killed many of the plants this morning in Huie's garden. While this afternoon was perfectly warm and the fish were all biting this afternoon.

Many of the campers have left the canyon. While the Forest Service patrolled to make sure all campfires had been properly extinguished and picked up any left over trash along with the Game and Fish Dept.

The skunks are officially out of hibernation although none of this weekend's campers or their dogs had any run ins with them.

This year limited camping will be allowed for groups that reserve the Jamie Koch Recreation Area located on the Pecos River at Willow Creek. A reservation fee of $25 per day will allow tent camping space for about 40 people and parking spots for as many as six small RVs.Walk-in tent camping will remain open for any visitors in the section of the area on the west side of the Pecos River.

The Game and Fish Department also plans to finish the improvements at the Tererro Campground that will provide 16 to 18 designated RV camping sites and a walk-in tent camping area by Memorial Weekend. Improvements to date include a newly surfaced road, new out houses and dumpsters.

Bert Clancy has had upgrades made as well int he form of outhouses and dumpsters.

Mora Campground will have similar improvements made to it soon.

Pecos Baldy Trail is currently dry and easily navigated so plan to hike there if you are able since there is still snow on the crest making for some spectacular photos.

Per The Ehrmans:

The following trails are cleared...The Skyline Trail from the 251/271 junction to the lower 251/254 junction and the Winsor Trail to its upper junction with abandoned Trail 261. Very little snow, even in the bowl around Stewart Lake.

The iris, yellow pea, indian paint brush, worts, choke cherries and some very early wild roses are already blooming.

Be aware that parking is now limited at Windy Bridge due to the guard rail installation.

Winds were up today however it just made it nice and cool for riding in the mountains.

Campers are trickling into the canyon in preparation for the Memorial Day weekend. The Hummingbirds are here! The weather is absolutely perfect with cool sweatshirt level mornings and t-shirt and shorts days. Evenings are cool. There are absolutely no fire restrictions in the area. Everything is green and the wild flowers are in bloom. Fisherman are easily catching their daily fish limit of browns and rainbow trout.

Fishing:
Fishing is VERY good and this week New Mexico Game & Fish is stocking the following areas:

Pecos River (Dalton to Cowles) - 2600 fish
Mora - 700 fish
Holy Ghost - 400 fish
Monastery Lake - 950 fish

Mtn View/Cowles Ponds will be stocked next week.

Please let your friends know: June 2nd is a FREE fishing day.

Fishing Report: The following areas are being stocked this week!
Pecos River (Cowles to Village of Pecos ) = 2,500 fish
Mora River = 700 fish
Cowles Ponds = 200 fish

So come up and enjoy a little fishing! The days have been mild ie sweatshirt weather. The store is open from 9am until 2pm every day EXCEPT Sunday, with limited supplies ie drinks and snacks, and of course a full supply of all your needed flies for fishing. Be sure to buy your license here with all the required habitat stamps etc.

The Store will open as usual for the season May 1st and be fully stocked for your every picnic and camping need!

The first hummingbird of the season was seen at the store last week! So they are making their migration back to the Pecos area!

Road Openings: All the roads have been opened up in anticipation of Turkey season which opened today. The equestrian side of Jacks Creek Campground is open.

Fishing:(per Scott Bernard, Manager of the Lisboa Springs Fish Hatchery) Last week the Pecos River was stocked with 2500 fish at every publicly accessible place from Dalton Day use area ...to Cowles. Last week Mora River was stocked with 700 fish from the back cable gate through the camp ground to the bridge.

This week there are plans to stock 500 fish in Cow Creek, 950 fish at the Monastery Lake and 500 fish into the Pecos River running through the village of Pecos.

Then they will be stocking from the Village of Pecos to Cowles every other week for April and May. In June they will begin stocking every week.

Aspen: The catkins (long seeds) are on the aspen! Very few people get to see this, as it happens so early in the spring, but it is happening NOW at the Jacks Creek Equestrian campground. If you make the drive so you get up there about 5:30pm the sun shining through the catkins makes the aspen appear a beautiful shimmery silver color. Something you really don't want to miss!

Today Conrad and Jaclyn get married!!! We will celebrate and dance till the break of dawn.