New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
Media contact: Dan Williams, (505) 476-8004
Public contact:  (505) 476-8000
dan.williams@state.nm.us

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, JULY 10, 2013:

FRESHLY STOCKED WITH TROUT, MONASTERY LAKE WILL REOPEN FOR FISHING FRIDAY

PECOS – Monastery Lake has been freshly stocked with trout and will reopen for fishing at 8 a.m. Friday, the Department of Game and Fish announced. It will be the first time anglers have been allowed at the lake since the 10,219-acre Tres Lagunas Fire started May 30 in Pecos Canyon.

In the Jemez Mountains, the Seven Springs Hatchery kids pond and streams in the Valles Caldera National Preserve also will reopen to fishing Friday.

The reopenings coincide with the announcement by the Santa Fe National Forest to reopen portions of the forest Friday morning. Areas impacted by the Tres Lagunas and Jaroso fires in the Pecos area, and the Thompson Ridge Fire in the Jemez Mountains remain closed for public safety concerns. The Santa Fe National Forest has been closed to all entry since June 24.

In Pecos Canyon, all other Game Commission properties, including the Bert Clancy, Mora and Jamie Koch recreation areas, will remain closed due to fire and flood safety concerns. For details and maps concerning closures and fire restrictions on Forest Service properties, please visit www.fs.usda.gov/santafe or call (505) 438-5300. For information about fishing at the Valles Caldera National Preserve, please visit www.vallescaldera.gov.

Anglers who visit Monastery Lake are advised to keep a sharp eye on the weather and the potential of flooding near the Pecos River. Strong thunderstorms upstream could send torrents of water and debris downstream. Anglers should avoid the Pecos River, where runoff carrying ash and silt already has killed many fish.

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