The Jemez River is a
small trout stream that flows south out of the Jemez Mountains along
S.R. 4. The Jemez is a popular stream and it does see a lot of pressure.
It offers good public access fishing along most its full length. The
Jemez waters are frequently stocked with catch-able
rainbows. Some tributaries that feed the Jemez have a good
population of brown
trout. These tributaries include the East Fork, the
Guadalupe River, and the Cebolla River. Besides decent
fishing, the red-walled canyon that parallels provides a
scenic back drop. To find a variety of information about all
of the streams in the Jemez Mountains, pick up a Santa Fe
National Forest map from the Forest Service.
Tackle & Gear:
For most fishing on the smaller rivers, an eight foot, two or
three-weight rod is a good choice.
Some tributaries
a four to
six-weight system would be good choice, keeping in mind that there are some good sized browns. Good insulated
waders are advisable through June.
Directions: Jemez
streams and Fenton Lake are accessible via N.M. 44 northwest out
of Bernalillo, then N.M. 4 north out of San Ysidro.
Points of Interest:
Jemez State Monument-
Giusewa "place of the boiling waters". Learn about the pueblo revolt
against the Spanish, a magnificently preserved ancient ruin of the Towa
people and 17th century Spanish mission church.
Battleship Rock-
juts from the mountain like the prow of a ship. Park here for the short
hike to McCauley Hot Springs 6 miles north of Jemez Springs on Hwy 4.
Jemez Pueblo - Jemez's main
village, Walatowa, is open to visitors only during feast days.
Otherwise, the pueblo is closed to the public year-round. Visitors are
always
 welcome
to browse the Walatowa Visitor Center, on Hwy 4, which features a
reconstructed traditional Jemez field house, photo exhibit, gift shop,
cultural exhibits, a nature walk and an interpretive program.
Tour the Jemez Red Rocks Recreation Area and sample
Indian foods, arts and crafts. A visit to the ancestral village of
Giusewa, at Jemez State Monument on N.M. 4, is another interesting
option. Photography, sketching or recording are prohibited at the pueblo
but encouraged at Red Rocks. For more information you can contact the
Pueblo at (505) 834-7235
Ponderosa Valley Vineyards & Winery, uniquely New Mexican in
design. Located in the scenic Ponderosa Valley on the southern slope of
the Jemez mountains, that
specializes in
 estate bottled wines. The vineyards,
were planted in 1978, and have consistently produced award-wining
Riesling wines. The winery is nestled in the vineyards, where tours,
tasting and sales are available. The winery has a
gracious porch overlooking the vineyards and valley so customers can
enjoy wine sampling. Picnics are
encouraged. Tasting groups and catering welcome by appointment.
Soda Dam-
the Jemez River pours through a natural hole in the rock, providing a
wonderful view.
Camping:
San Antonito Campgrounds: Open from Mid May to
Med September
Located nine miles north
of Jemez Springs, New Mexico, along the Rio San Antonio River.
Campground is located in the tall pines. Restrooms are provided. Trout
fishing is a popular activity. All sites have paved blacktop pads and
can accommodate tents.
Getting There: From Jemez Springs, New Mexico, travel 9
miles north on New Mexico Road 4. Take New Mexico Road 126 for 2 miles
to campground.
Redondo Campgrounds: Open from Mid May to Med
September
Located eleven miles
north of Jemez Springs, New Mexico, Some first come, first serve sites
may be available. Firewood may be available for sale at campground..
Getting There: From Jemez
Falls, New Mexico, travel northeast for 11 miles on New Mexico Road 4. |
