The Vidal Valley – The Big Picture
So what exactly is the Vidal Valley? Translated as “The Valley of Life,” and named for a stunning valley that bisects the 100,000-acre unit of the Carson National Forest like a seam, the park was a gift to the public from the Pennzoil Company. Previously, other than Parque Vermejo, this donation was the largest and most valuable single donation of private land ever transferred to the Forest Service.
Today, Valle Vidal has become a sanctuary for lovers of outdoor recreation, hunting, and fishing. It is a special place, appreciated by the locals and trusted by all. Every year, more than 3,000 Boy Scouts find great adventures in the alpine mountains.
The Vidal Valley is home to many game species including Rocky Mountain elk, mule deer, black bear, and game fish including rainbow trout, brown trout, Rio Grande cutthroat trout and rainbow hybridization, known as “cut-bow”.
RIO GRANDE CUT-THROAT TROUT
Rio Grande cutthroat are vibrantly colored averaging 7-12 inches. They are called assassins because they have blood-red cuts under their heads. They are native to Costilla Creek and are a real challenge for fly fishermen. The Rio Grande cutthroat trout is the official state fish of New Mexico.
CAMPING
Your best bet is to stay at McCrystal Creek Campground located at 1950 Forest Rd., 30 miles south of Amalia. The 60-site campground is located at an elevation of 8,100 feet and is the Forest Service’s model campground. The views are spectacular, looking out to 9,000 foot peaks and pine lined meadows. The campgrounds have fire rings, picnic tables, and plenty of space. Campers often have their horses tied to the surrounding trees as they rest from long hikes through the mountains and valleys.
The second option is to stay at Cimarron Campground, which has 32 sites, located via Forest Rd. 1950 to Forest Rd. 1910, which ends at campground.
Reservations are not required, but can be made by contacting the Questa Ranger District, (505) 586-0520.
WHERE YOU FISH
Shuree Ponds: Located at 1950 Forest Rd., Shuree Ponds is located right in the middle of the Vidal Valley. The two ponds are the only bodies of water that contain “catchable” game fish. Anglers are limited to 2 trout, at least 15 inches in length and must also obey the artificial fly or barbless single hook lure regulation that applies throughout the Vidal Valley. The New Mexico Fish and Game Department regularly stocks 12- to 16-inch rainbows during the summer. Of the two ponds, the smaller one is reserved for children under 12 and can be easily fished from the banks. The second pond is much larger, about 5 acres, and is more commonly fished using a float.
Costilla Creek: With Rio Grande cutthroats averaging 8 to 12 inches, this river is the main fishery and meanders through wide mountain meadows. Cast dry flies upstream to the heads and tails of the pools. Try flipping your fly under the edges of the bank and allow it to fly to float down the river.
Comanche Creek: One of the branches of Costilla Creek, the fishing techniques are similar to those used in Costilla Creek. Try casting 5-10 yards from the shore to the opposite shore and look for calm shady pools.
Ponil Creek: The creek feeds and revives the Shuree Ponds. Trout often hang out in the water both above and below the ponds.
REGULATIONS
The Vidal Valley is open for fishing from July 1 to December 31. The spring closure on the west side of the Valle Vidal Unit is from May 1 to June 30. The winter closure on the east side of Valle Vidal is from January 1 to March 31. . Beginning 2.4 miles downstream at Latir Creek, and throughout the Valle Vidal Unit, all streams and ponds are subject to special fishing regulations. In other words, it is catch and release using artificial flies or lures with single hooks without barbs.
RCCLA WATERS
Costilla River from Valle Vidal boundary (2.4 miles downstream to Latir Creek)
BAIT: Artificial flies or lures with simple hooks without barbs
BAG: Catch and release only, no trout in possession
GAME FISH SPECIES: Rio Grande Cutthroats and hybrid Rio Grande Cutthroats/Rainbows called cut-bows
RATES: Less than $10 per day, per person
CONTACT: (800) 746-7275
ALL CURRENTS
BAIT: Artificial flies or lures with simple hooks without barbs
BAG: Catch and release only, no trout in possession
GAME FISH SPECIES: Rio Grande Cutthroats and hybrid Rio Grande Cutthroats/Rainbows called cut-bows
SHUREE PONDS
BAIT: Artificial flies or lures with simple hooks without barbs.
BAG: 2 holes, at least 15 inches long
GAME FISH SPECIES: Rainbow
HATCHES: Mayflies, caddis, stoneflies are predominant during the summer months. Grasshoppers and other terrestrial animals are rich in cola from summer to early fall.
THE FLY BOX
The most common patterns used at Costilla Creek are bright stimulators followed by colorful moose hair caddis. The best choice in droppers are Hare Ears, Copperweeds, Prince Nymphs, and Pheasant Tails 18″ below a simple sticky indicator. Flies you’ll find in the Pros Box include:
Adams Parachute (14-18)
Elkhair Caddis (12-18)
Royal Wulff, (12-18)
gray wulff (12-18)
Yellow Stimulator (12-16)
Yellow exits (16-20)
PMD (16-18)
Royal Trude (14-16)
King of Rio Grande (12-16)
Dave’s Hopper, Green, (10)
Generic Nymphs (14-18)
Hare’s ear (14-18)
Prince Nymph (14-18)
Pheasant Tail (14-18)
Bug Zug (14-18)
Stonefly nymphs (14-18)
Copper Briefs (14-20)
EQUIPMENT LIST FOR A DAY
– Valid NM Fishing License with Habitat Seal and Habitat Management – – – Validation of Access
– Fly rod (5-6)
– Artificial flies or lures with simple hooks without barbs
– Leader (5X – 7X) 7.5′-9′
– Tippet (5X – 7X)
– Scissors/Scissors
– Micro Pliers
-Rain clothes
– Waders (Optional)
-Water
-food
– Sunscreen
– Hat
SERVICE GUIDE
Streit Fly Fishing: Taylor Streit is a Fishing Hall of Fame guide, inducted in 2001, he has caught more than his fair share of cutthroats, browns and rainbows in the area.
PO Box 2759, Taos, New Mexico 87571
Phone: (505) 741-0202
Email: [email protected]
streitflyfishing.com
Los Rios Anglers – Offering guiding services for over 20 years, Los Rios Anglers offers the opportunity to fish with IGFA Fly Fishing World Record Holder John Rainey.
126 W. Plaza Dr., Taos, New Mexico, 87571
Phone: (505) 758-2798 or (800) 748-1707
Email: [email protected]
losrios.com
LOCAL FLY SHOPS
Taos Fly Shop – A full service store offering rods, reels, waders, flies, instruction books, clothing, accessories and more.
308 B. Paseo del Pueblo South, Taos, New Mexico, 87571
Phone: (505) 751-1312
taosflyship.com
Los Rios Anglers – A full service shop offering rods, reels, boots, flies, instructional books, clothing, accessories and more. 126 W. Plaza Dr., Taos, New Mexico, 87571
Phone: (505) 758-2798 or (800) 748-1707
losrios.com
GET THERE
Directions: Take highway 522 north toward Costilla to highway 196 along Costilla Creek to Valle Vidal. See map, http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/carson/recreation/travel_mgmt/maps/d7.pdf