Meet Mr. Thomas Pena - Discussion On New Mexico Fly Fishing
As discussed in last week's feature, we will have a special guest in our chat room on October 7th, 1998 at 6:00 PM (Mountain Time). I have had the pleasure of exchanging correspondance with Thomas Pena for several weeks now. It was Thomas who first introduced me to the fly fishing opportunities that are available in New Mexico, and although he would probably humbly decline a description of 'expert', he certainly has a lot of experience and knowledge to share, and indeed is deserving of the description.
Not only has Thomas fished extensively throughout New Mexico, he has enjoyed angling in several parts of the western United States, Spain, Scotland, and England. As well as providing guiding services through his business, Castizo Fly Fishing, Thomas is a free lance writer with his articles appearing in many local, regional and national publications. When not fishing, he works in documentary projects in oral history, videography and research.
Thomas has many achievements to his credit and has offered several lectures demonstrations including photographic presentations on fly fishing and fly tying. He will be instructing classes at the University of New Mexico later this year.
As well, Thomas is a member of the Fenwick Field Staff and is a Product Tester for Umpqua Feather Merchants. His qualifications, in fact, are too lengthy to list all of them here!
Mr. Pena is quite obviously someone who has dedicated much of his life to fly fishing and sharing his tremendous knowledge with others. He agreed to be interviewed regarding his personal views on fly fishing as well as general fly fishing conditions in New Mexico. This interview is presented below:
New Mexico is not often thought of as fly fishing destination. Is the sport popular in this State?
The sport of fly fishing is very popular in New Mexico.
What species of fish do you fly fish for in New Mexico? Do you also pursue bass?
2. I fly fish primarily for trout. I have fished for bass with a fly rod but the cold water opportunities are abundant in the state. I even have tried my hand at saltwater fly fishing in So. Calif.
Generally, what size are the rivers or streams that you would recommend for a successful trip?
The size of the river doesn't really matter for a good fly fishing trip. I've taken Brown Trout up to 22 inches long in a stream that can be crossed with a good jump. However, someone new to fly fishing should be comfortable with a stream or river that they can effective cover with a simple cast and minimal wading.
Would you tell us about the season regulations?
There aren't any season regulations for the state, per se. Certain waters do have closures, like, Valle Vida Unit for Carson National Forest, Jicarilla Waters. Some waters are inaccessible from the amount of snow during the winter and from runoff.
Where is your favorite place to fly fish?
My favorite place to fly fish, (believer it or not is not the San Juan), depends on the species of fish; Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout is the Rio Costilla, Brown Trout is the Cimarron River and a couple of streams in the Jemez Mountain where I can catch large trout.
Is this different than when you are out guiding?
No. The majority of clients want to fish in a place that they can try on their own. The guide's knowledge of how to fish for trout with a fly rod is want the neophyte or initiate fly rodders wants to know. A lot of exclusive private waters are stocked (yes, stocked) with tons of fish with just with one purpose, to be caught.
What are your favorite fly patterns when fishing in New Mexico? Do you have any of your own invention that you could share with us?
My favorite patterns, again depending on the water, are; Pheasant Tails, Gold Ribbed Hare's Ears, Brassies, Olive Crystal Buggers, Annelids, (a worm patterns called Dan's Worm) for nymphs. Dry flies are like; Elk Hair Caddis, Adams, Dorado Hare's Ear, CDC Comparaduns, Stimulators, and CDC Griffith's Gnat. One fly I made up is El Monstro, basically a stonefly pattern. Certain waters have their own patterns due to the particularities of the entomology that I can adjust my patterns to match. My philosophy is an angler that knows how to and when to use a dozen flies well in any given situation is mega distances from someone who has a couple of hundred of flies in their vest. I am amazed that some people can't imitate a simple insect just by looking at it or chooses a fly that matches the curtains in the RV.
What are the climatic conditions of New Mexico, and how does this affect the angling?
The altitude of New Mexico is generally high. For example; Albuquerque is 5,000 feet high. The altitude does affect the fishing in sense of the temperature of the water. If the fish are comfortable they will be active. If it's too cold they are lethargic, if is too warm they are lethargic.
If there was anything you could change about the angling industry in New Mexico, what would it be?
New Mexico is affected by the fly fishing industry in general was well as any other place in the fly fishing world. In the fly fishing industry, I would like to see a change in the life time warranty; it pushed fly rod prices out into the stratosphere. I would like to get away from the Elite Attitude of the fly fishing world. Fly fishing isn't a mystery, maybe a layman's science, and not limited a chosen few that have a lot of spending money.
Do you have any favorite memories of guiding, including any humorous incidents or otherwise noteworthy occurrences?
There's no one incident that really stands out. But, I do remember a couple of things, for example; one male workshop participant wasn't very convinced that one fly fishing techniques was going to work; nymphing. And he was quite vocal about it. After a little on-stream instruction, he picked up a fish. When I joined in a bit later he told me, "This stuff works. I have already caught four fish." One guided trip a woman (she had never fly fished or fish before) who came with her husband just picked up a fly rod and started to cast. She was a natural, she outfished her husband a dozen to one. By the middle of the morning, we had lost count on the fish she caught. Her husband wasn't too thrilled by being outfished by his wife.
Do you have any general pet peeves about guiding or instructing? Is there anything that you wish others knew or understood better before you took them out?
The biggest peeve I have about people learning to fly fish is preconceived ideas on what fly fishing is about, in terms of; casting, fly selection, how to work a stream, where fish are located in a stream. I would like more people just to be more receptive to theories and concepts of fly fishing. I found the faster learners are the people who never have fished at all, you ask them to hold the rod a certain way, cast a certain way, work a stream a certain way and they do it.
Is it possible to visit New Mexico and enjoy a successful guided trip on a limited budget?
It is very possible to come to New Mexico for a holiday to fish and not spend a fortune. Instead of staying at the tourist towns find other lodging. For example; in the summer - instead of staying in Taos, stay in the Taos ski area, instead of staying in Santa Fe, stay in Espanola. The do-it-yourselfers can camp in any of the National Forests that exist in the state or the RV parks that abound. There are many towns that more authentic New Mexico, that have very good lodging and facilities, and welcome visitors.
Do you think New Mexico officials are doing enough to encourage the sport of fly fishing and protect the fishery?
No, the NM government is not doing enough to help the sport of fly fishing. The Game and Fish philosophy has been a put and take fishery for the most part. The majority of the fly fishing anglers practice catch and release, a known fact, but there is not one fly fishing only - catch and release water in the state. Many waters that have the potential of being a great fishery are managed for the stocking program.
What would you like to see the Government do more of?
I would like to see certain cold water fisheries designated as fly fishing only with no limit rule. Also, promote more wild trout fisheries; the Rio Grande Cutthroat, the Gila Trout and Brown Trout. The Special Trout Waters that do permit a fish to be taken can rise the size limit and lower the number limit; for example - instead of a 12 inch rule, make it a 16 inch rule. Instead of two fish, make it only one. There are many other waters in the state that are stocked with the purpose of fish to be taken by bait anglers. A lot of work can be done on streams that have been damaged by logging road construction, cattle grazing and human apathy.
What quality of angling is there close to urban centers?
There are some streams very close to Albuquerque and Santa Fe (points of reference) that contain excellent trout fishing. Within an hour and a half drive, I can catch wild browns and wild Rio Grande Cutthroats. Or fish out of my float tube for large rainbows in a lake.
What is the cost of a Non-Resident angling permit?
A one day license; $9.00, five day license; $17.00, one year non-resident license; $40.00. The habitat stamp costs $5.00 and is required on all federal and state land.
Be sure to come and chat with Thomas on October 7th at 6PM Mountain Time to learn more about the services he offers as well as fly fishing in general in New Mexico!