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New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
Media contact: Ross Morgan, (505) 222-4707
Public contact: (505) 476-8000
ross.morgan@state.nm.us

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, NOV. 7, 2007:

SALMON SNAGGING SEASON OPENS NOV. 9 AT HERON LAKE , WILLOW CREEK, PINE RIVER

CHAMA -- Snagging season for kokanee salmon at Heron Lake opens Friday, Nov. 9 and ends Dec. 31. The season opens later at Heron Lake than other northern New Mexico lakes to allow the Department of Game and Fish to gather and fertilize salmon eggs for future stocking.

Every fall, anglers congregate around lakes in northern New Mexico in hopes of snagging a few 4-year-old kokanee, which form giant schools, spawn and then die.   Snagging is a technique for harvesting the soon-to-die salmon.   The bag limit is 12 salmon per day and 24 in possession.

Snagging season is Oct. 1 through Dec. 31 for Abiquiu Lake , the Chama River from El Vado Lake to the west boundary of the Rio Chama wildlife and fishing area, El Vado Lake, Navajo Lake and Eagle Nest Lake .

The 2007-2008 New Mexico Fishing Rules and Information Booklet lists two dates as the start of the snagging season at Heron Lake , Willow Creek and the Pine River . The correct season opening date is Friday, Nov. 9.

For more information about this or any other Department-related matter, please contact the Department of Game and Fish at (505) 222-4700.      

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