ALBUQUERQUE, N.M - The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is a place where visitors can enjoy bird watching, learn about nature through environmental education, and take leisurely walks and hikes. Now, starting this month, visitors can add fishing to the list of activities to enjoy at this urban oasis.
The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF), in partnership with Valle de Oro NWR, is currently stocking 50 rainbow trout weekly in the ditch outside the refuge’s southwestern perimeter, known as the Riverside Drain (south). The fishing location can be accessed by entering Valle de Oro NWR off of 2nd street SW and travelling through the refuge to the gate, and parking in the area in the far southwestern corner of the refuge, leading to the Rio Grande bosque.
The stocked rainbow trout are from NMDFG’s Red River and Lisboa Springs hatcheries and are noted in the weekly stocking report, according to Richard Hansen, NMDGF cold water supervisor.
“This is a valuable opportunity to provide additional angling access to people in the Albuquerque area, especially during the winter months,” Hansen said. “It also provides access to people who may not have the time or means to access fishing outside the city.”
Valle de Oro Refuge Manager, Jennifer Owen-White, is excited about the refuge’s strong partnership with state land and wildlife agencies, and said the ability to offer fishing only adds to the visitor experience at the Southwest’s first urban national wildlife refuge national wildlife refuge
A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.
Learn more about national wildlife refuge .
“As an urban refuge, Valle de Oro is excited to provide diverse opportunities for our South Valley community to deepen their connection with the outdoors and wildlife. Offering access to fishing is just another way for neighbors young and old to enjoy the outdoors and their public lands,” said Owen-White.
A New Mexico fishing license is required in order to fish the drain, and all other statewide fishing regulations apply as well. Information regarding license requirements and regulations are available in the NMDFG Fishing Information Booklet and their website at www.wildlife.state.nm.us.
The refuge wants visitors to enjoy their time at Valle de Oro and reminds visitors heading to the fishing site to be respectful of the wildlife and the refuge they call home.
For more information about the Valle de Oro refuge visit: www.fws.gov/refuge/Valle_de_Oro
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service.
For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov. Connect with our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/usfws, follow our tweets at www.twitter.com/usfwshq, watch our YouTube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/usfws and download photos from our Flickr page at http://www.flickr.com/photos/usfwshq.
- http://www..fws.gov/southwest -
