The Vida del Norte group is hosting the Questa Fish Fiesta the weekend of June 10. This year’s event will take place on Saturday, June 10 at Eagle Rock Lake from 9 a.m.- noon and on Sunday, June 11 from 10 a.m.-noon at the Wild Rivers National Monument Visitors Center.
“This will be a weekend of fishing for the community, and an opportunity to enjoy our outdoor recreational areas,” says Maria Gonzalez, Vida del Norte Coalition Coordinator.
The Questa Fish Fiesta is a tradition in northern Taos County, initially run by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Vida del Norte, a coalition dedicated to helping youth in Questa and northern Taos county, will be hosting the event for the first time this year. Additionally, Mayor John Ortega will be cooking hamburgers and hotdogs for participants each day, with food, games and prizes sponsored by the LOR Foundation.
Fishers should bring fishing rods and equipment, as well as typical outdoor accessories such as sunscreen, hats, water, and chairs, if they like. A good pair of hiking boots and full length pants are advised for the Wild Rivers location.
The US Forest Service will be taking part, with Smokey the Bear slated for an appearance.
“Anyone over the age 12 must have a fishing license,” says Gonzalez. Fishing licenses can be purchased in Questa at Questa Lumber and Hardware store at the south side of town, or online at wildlife.state.nm.us, or by phone at 1 (888) 248-6866. The Fish Fiesta is not on New Mexico Free Fishing Day, which falls on June 3 and September 23 of this year.
“Questa New Mexico is a trout angler’s dream destination. It offers a diversity of trout fishing opportunities from the family-friendly and easily accessible Eagle Rock Lake to the remote and wild Rio Grande del Norte. Anglers have opportunities to catch stocked rainbow trout in the Red River and Eagle Rock Lake, wild brook trout in Cabresto Creek and Cabresto Lake, trophy-sized brown trout in the Rio Grande, and native Rio Grande cutthroat trout in Columbine Creek. All of this within a short drive from the heart of Questa.” says Eric Frey, Sportfish Program Manager of the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish.
The Questa Fish Fiesta will be a great opportunity to meet with other members of the community, appreciate the beautiful area in which we live, enjoy great food and fun games, and most importantly, to catch fish.
