Courtesy/Sipapu Ski & Summer ResortSIPAPU News:
VADITO ― Sipapu Ski & Summer Resort is once again hosting its popular weekly series of free fly fishing clinics with Solitary Angler.
Every Saturday at 10:30 a.m. through Sept. 2 (with the exception of July 22) Solitary Angler certified instructors provide a free 90-minute “Quick Start” fly casting class to the public at Sipapu.
Participants receive one-on-one, hands-on instruction during the free Saturday clinics. Instructors provide a quick demonstration on the three elements that form a good cast: how the fly rod, reel and line work together; how to cast overhand and backhand even in the wind; and how to shoot line out and strip line in. For more details on the free 90-minute casting clinics, visit Sipapu’s website.
Solitary Angler’s owner, Van Beacham, developed a unique teaching technique that his certified instructors use to make learning to fly cast fun, fast and easy with an emphasis on fly fishing small streams.
Participants are encouraged to bring their own equipment. For those who do not have their own, fly rods and reels are available for use during the clinics at no charge, and may be reserved in advance by calling 575.758.5653. Fishing licenses are required, and may be purchased at Sipapu’s general store.
For those wanting additional instruction, half-day personalized classes on fly fishing small streams are provided for $125 by Solitary Angler. The Small Stream afternoon clinic offers instruction to groups of 1 to 4 people per instructor to practice casting skills on the Rio Pueblo at Sipapu. Students learn how to read water, make fly selections, use the right casting techniques for each situation, how to achieve a good drift and, position themselves to cast a specific target.
They will also learn the difference between dry fly, wet fly and nymph fishing, how to identify the major aquatic insects, how to match the hatch, and how to properly land and release a trout.
The Rio Pueblo, a popular fishing stream, flows through the heart of Sipapu Ski Resort in the Carson National Forest. Sipapu also offers a stocked trout pond right at the resort. The New Mexico Free Fishing Day is Sept. 23 when anyone can fish without a license in public fishing waters throughout the state of New Mexico.
For information on free fishing day and other fishing information, visit the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish website.
Other summer activities at Sipapu include Disc Golf, Geocaching, hiking, camping. The Riverside Café, located in the historic lodge, offers a New Mexican-inspired menu, a full bar and is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sipapu offers a variety of lodging that is full of history and rich with character. This summer, Sipapu offers a special lodging deal — stay two nights, and get the third night free. Sipapu also features campsites and RV spaces.
Call 800.587.2240 or get more details online.
