Week Of Nov. 10 – Los Alamos Reporter

Tips and Tricks The time has come when the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish stocks trout in numerous waters across the state (see stocking report here). Just last week, over 160,000 rainbow trout were stocked in 44 different locations. This week, we will go over a few tips that any angler can use to find success fishing for the notorious winter stockers. Fishing for stockers can be an extremely fun, low-cost fishing endeavor. Because so many lakes, ponds, rivers and drainages are stocked, chances are there is a body of water close to home. For gear, all that is required is the most basic fishing rods and reels. Here is how to set up for bait fishing your local winter stockers. Using the right hook size is one of the most important first steps to set yourself up for success. Any brand size 8 salmon egg hook will work. I have had great success using Eagle Claw size 8 red snelled salmon egg hooks with a pre-tied leader loop for easy connection to the main fishing line.

Four proven baits that work in New Mexico

PowerBait
Popular colors amongst anglers include lime green, salmon peach, cheese yellow, orange, white and purple.Worms. If using nightcrawler worms, only use about 1-inch of the worm. If using red wigglers or worms you have dug up, use the whole worm.

Waxworms
These little white worms can be purchased at some bait shops and at many pet stores that sell reptile food, such as PetSmart. The trick to using wax worms is how you bait them on the hook. Do not hook them through the side of the worm. Instead, start hook entry towards the rear of the worm and thread the hook through the worm until the tip of the hook is barely protruding from the head.

Salmon eggs These are easy baits to use. Try to conceal as much of the hook within the egg as possible.

*Add weight or bobber to facilitate longer casting and presentation to hungry fish.

*If using a weight, use ¼ or ½ ounce bell-shaped weights that can easily be attached to your fishing line.

*Tie the hook to the end of your fishing line.

*Tie your hook about 3-feet above the weight.

*If using a bobber, tie the hook to the end of your fishing line and place the bobber about 3-feet above your hook.If you are not getting bites, try changing bait.

*If you are still not getting bites, try changing the distance between your hook and boober or weight.

Let us know how you do and/or if you have any tips to share with your fellow New Mexico anglers by emailing funfishingnm@gmail.com. Happy Fishing!