Southwest Fishing Adventures Angel Chavez

By Angel Chavez, Local Fisherman

Fishing has been a part of my life since I was little rez boy fishing out at Chuska Lake, which is no longer stocked, with my dad. Some of my most memorable times have been out on the lake with family and friends. In one of these memories, I remember my dad checking me out of school, and he told me we were going wood hauling. I remember thinking, "Dad you should've

SouTHwest FIsHING ADveNTures

just left me at school,” but then I saw in the back of the truck our fishing rods. We spent the day fishing, just me and my dad. I can remember having an enjoyment of fishing since those days, and it continues to this day as I make memories with my own little family.

On this month's adventure, we headed to McGaffey located just outside of Gallup, NM, in the Cibola National Forest. The McGaffey Lake is operated by the State of New Mexico and requires a New Mexico fishing license. McGaffey is stocked with rainbow trout in the colder months and catfish in the summertime. The rainbow trout can grow up to 20 inches but averages about 12-14 inches. From my experience, they bite and go for PowerBait and spinners.

On this adventure, I caught the biggest trout I have ever caught. I used green PowerBait on a Carolina Rig set-up, which allows the PowerBait to float to the top making it more visible and attractive to the fish. At first, I thought I hooked a catfish but then when I realized it was a trout, excitement began to build. The rainbow trout measured 19 inches long!

I enjoy fishing McGaffey Lake because it is a short 30 minute drive to the lake and it has beautiful scenery. With the summer months approaching, it is a great opportunity to take your family out for a day. Sunlight and family time are especially important during this time. Of course, with the recent effect of the Coronavirus, it is important to take the proper safety and health precautions when out on the lake. Although, the camping and group sites are currently closed, the McGaffey Lake is open and stocked. Go enjoy it and make some lasting memories!