Questa is joining the whole state to promote the New Mexico Free Fishing Day on Saturday, June 4, by hosting a fun-for-all Fishing Festival at Eagle Rock Lake Park from 10 am – 2 pm. This is a celebration of everything fishing, and a day when no licenses are required to cast a line.
To help initiate a love for the outdoors and fishing that will last a lifetime, the first 50 kids under the age of 12 will receive a free fishing pole and tackle kit. Since children eleven years old and under don’t require a fishing license in New Mexico, this will ensure they are fully equipped for a summer of fishing and can enjoy the Festival day when everyone fishes for free!
Questa’s Eagle Rock Lake will be stocked prior to the event by NM Game and Fish with 1,500 trout from the Red River Fish Hatchery, just down the road; this will ensure that everyone catches a fish!
There will be fishing guides on hand for free lessons, tips, and assistance. Attendees will enjoy giveaways; information booths about fishing and recreation in the Questa area; live music, items for sale, a visit from Smokey Bear, and of course, food!
For lunch, Frito Pies from Evelyn’s Treats will be available to purchase for a $5 donation which will benefit NM Trout Unlimited initiatives. Other food will also be available for sale. Bottled water will be provided at no charge to keep everyone hydrated and all plastic will be recycled through the Questa/Taos Repurposing Plastic Project (https://www.repurposingplastictaos.com/), where plastic waste is recycled into new structures such as walls, benches, and sheds.
Eagle Rock Lake is part of the Carson National Forest; it is easy to get to, located one mile east of the Questa town center on NM-Hwy 38. The park is fully ADA-accessible with walking trails, vault toilet, and handicap parking; there are picnic tables, shade trees around an 8-acre lake, and spectacular views in all directions.
The Questa Fishing Festival is sponsored by the Questa Economic Development Fund, the Village of Questa, Chevron, Taos Community Foundation, the US Forest Service, Trout Unlimited, NM Game and Fish, and the Questa Visitor Center.
Fishing licenses are required to enjoy fishing the waters of New Mexico every day, except for this free day, for individuals twelve and older. Licenses can be purchased locally at Questa Lumber and Hardware Co., located at 2349 NM-Hwy 522, or online at: https://www.takemefishing.org/new-mexico/fishing-license, where state regulations and resources can also be found.
For more information about the event, and to sign up to sponsor a booth at no charge at the Fishing Festival, please contact Dina Coleman at Dina@questaedf.com or leave a message at (575) 586-2258.
