The Epic 50th Birthday Fly Fishing Trip in Review

Hola Amigos:

How the Trout Buddha spent his summer vacation. My trip to northern New Mexico reached beyond just good green chili and actually included some fishing. Our second guided day took us to the the Rio Grand Gorge Wild Rivers Recreation Area and a hike to the lower Red River. The Red River has taken some hits over the years thanks to the mining industry. In fact isn't that what the M in BLM stands for? (Bureau of Livestock and Mining - no wait that is not it). My brother and I under the guidance of trusty Taos Fly Shop guide Ron hiked the popular Aguaje trail to the Red River. Not popular on this day as there were no other fly anglers in site. In fact, no hikers, no campers, no picnickers, nothing. Just us on a beautiful summer day on (and then below) the mesa. Lots of brown, rainbows, and cutbows. Wonderful small pocket water fishing. Good insect activity and abundant fish (mix of hatchery and some wild reproduction) seemed to indicate that maybe the Red is making a mild comeback. I had requested the shop provide me with two very different days. They obliged with two of the most beautiful days I have had on the water. Can't say enough about the Taos mesa.

Taos is a tough town that suffers from some of the problems associated with "tourist towns". Lots to draw in tourists, not much to help the economy of the majority of local people who are trapped in the service economy. I try to mange my guilt by eating local, staying a locally owned hotel, doing my best to tip well, and trying not to be a jerk. Taos will survive. I view it as the tough tattooed sibling of a fancier and well to do Santa Fe. Worth a visit and pack your fly rod.

Tight lines,
Trout Buddha

Some images from the Rio Grande Gorge and the Lower Red River

Celebrating the Big 50

Hola Amigos -

The Buddha has been digging out from under the mountain of work that was waiting for after returning from his epic 50th birthday celebration fly fishing trip. My brother and I had talked for years about taking a trip out west for some serious guided fly fishing. Well it took the half century mark to finally make it happen. It was, in a word, fabulous. It is rare that you can return from a trip and say "if I had to do it all over again" (every meal, every river, every guide, and every fish landed and lost) I would not hesitate. This trip should provide enough content to get me back on track here at Zen Trout; I think both the guys who read this blog must have missed me!

Where to begin? Day One (Wednesday): Caught a flight into Albuquerque and made our way north to Taos in the rental car (Kudos to Enterprise for the great deal). My first "New Mexico" moment came at a McDonalds where we stopped for some ice tea and water only to find green chili cheeseburgers on the menu. Should be required in the entire lower 48. After arriving in Taos we checked in at the Taos Fly Shop, home of Streit fly fishing guides, and confirmed our plans for two days of fishing and headed to the El Pueblo.

The Taos Fly Shop has a great vibe. We have all encountered a certain "attitude" that can be pervasive in the fly shops around the country and I am happy to say this one does not have it. Nick Streit was a great help and very laid back. I never understood why so many fly shop types treat their, wait what is that word, CUSTOMERS with such contempt. Anyway enough of that rant - the Taos Fly Shop is NOT that kind of place. The cool factor runs high (minus the 'tude). After confirming the fishing plans the most important mission of the night was to find legit New Mexican style stacked enchiladas. Yea! blue corn, chicken, and green chili nirvana (served with posole to boot!). The key locale is Orlando's. Oh my goodness. I knew it would be great because the fly shop guys, desk clerk, and gas station attendant ALL recommended the same place. If you are in the area - put it on the list. That put me just one good nights sleep away from some serious fishing.

Catch the next post. TB