Inspired by the natural beauty of northern New Mexico, its numerous high mountain lakes; pristine rivers and cold water stream; abundant brown, rainbow, brook, and Rio Grande cutthroat trout, as well as northern pike - the vision of Los Pescadores Fly Fishing Club, lpffc.com, was shaped in January, 2008, to provide prospective members with access to secluded private waters.
In just a few months, nearly 200 members joined the club and are now exploring new-found horizons in their own back yard, discovering that fly fishing is whatever suits their current desire – a solitary excursion into a private stretch of the Pecos River, or an October social trip to the lower Brazos River. Members range from beginners enjoying their first guided fly-fishing expeditions to experienced anglers. Los Pescadores Fly Fishing Club (LPFFC) is a work in process, striving to fulfill the goals and needs of each of its members.
Bringing new fly fishers into the sport is key to LPFFCs mission. The club′s ″Mentor Program″ teams members with beginner/intermediate level fly fishers to help educate them in the sport. Through the LPFFC youth program, financial support is provided to organizations working with mentally and disadvantaged youth, enabling them the opportunity to fish and ride horses. In 2009, LPFFC will launch a program in school systems aimed at educating youth not only in fly fishing, but also in conservation, habitat issues, and agriculture and related business opportunities.
Los Pescadores members have reached out to work with New Mexico′s communities. Involved with the Upper Pecos Watershed Association, LPFFC focuses on the development of the Pecos State Park, a key piece in a process of improving the health of the Pecos River and its tributaries. The area includes the Pecos Wilderness, the wild and scenic section of Pecos, as well as Cow, Bull and Glorieta creeks, providing high quality cold water fishing as well as many other recreational opportunities.
In its search to meet the needs of all levels of fly fishers, LPFFC sought out northern New Mexico ranches and private venues, gaining access to waters ranging from tiny rivulets, to spring creeks, to high canyon rivers and lakes holding unbelievable fishing opportunities. LPFFC′s access in Chama offers members opportunities to fish for exquisite and elusive Rio Grande Cutthroat. In addition, the members enjoy access to the Express UUBar Ranch′s seven exclusive pike lagoons on its 160,000 acres in Cimarron. Members of LPFFC can also take advantage of exceptional hunting opportunities.
After some members voiced the aspiration to explore New Mexico on the many hiking trails, and others asked about exploring the Valle Vidal on horseback with rod in hand, LPFFC teamed with Roadrunner Tours, certified outfitters well equipped to guide these back trips. As the needs of the club evolve, it continues to offer new opportunities to members by contracting with private venues.
On its new Web site, LPFFC provides information and maps of northern New Mexico waters, including details on public fishing. Information features directions, state regulations, road conditions, access, parking, and amenities available. All of the private venues contracted with Los Pescadores are described in detail with links to each ranch giving additional information on these venues. For the 2009 season, Los Pescadores has instituted a Frequent Wilderness Adventures Rewards Program. When members and their guests stay at one of the club′s contracted lodges or ranches or participate in its fishing or hunting packages, they receive credits to be used towards future stays or activities at any of Los Pescadores′s lodges or ranches.