Rainbow trout stocking resumes as cold snap brings thin ice warnings

Rainbow trout stocking resumed across northern New Mexico this past week, putting catchable-size fish into many lakes and rivers and opening winter angling opportunities for Los Alamos County residents. The weekly fishing report lists multiple stocking locations and urges anglers to check current stocking numbers and timing before making plans.

A sharp cold snap over the weekend pushed temperatures below zero in some places, speeding formation of surface ice on high-elevation streams and on several area lakes. Small streams at higher elevations are already starting to ice up. The Rio Pueblo, the Santa Cruz River and the Rio Costilla are reporting icy conditions that prevent normal streamflow measurement. Lakes in the region are developing thin ice, but officials and the report caution that ice is not yet safe for fishing or travel.

Stocking and waterbody updates in the report cover sites that matter to local anglers, including Fenton Lake State Park, the Jemez River, the San Juan River below Navajo Dam, Abiquiu Lake and other regional waters. If a waterbody was not stocked last week, the most recent stocking dates are included in the report so anglers can track where catchable trout are available. For Los Alamos anglers who travel off the Pajarito Plateau, those details will shape weekend plans and guide decisions about which reservoirs and tailwaters to target.

The public health and safety implications are immediate. Thin, newly formed ice can give a false sense of security; hypothermia and cold-water drowning remain real risks when ice is not solid. The fishing report specifically advises calling ahead to check ice conditions before going out. For community members who rely on fishing for food or supplemental income, timely stocking information and clear safety guidance are both practical and essential.

Local businesses that support winter angling - guides, bait and tackle shops, and outdoor outfitters - may see demand shift as anglers chase recent stockings and safer open-water opportunities. At the same time, county emergency responders and park managers face the annual task of balancing access with safety: posting signage, monitoring high-use waters, and making sure safety information reaches residents across income levels and neighborhoods.

The takeaway? Check the latest stocking notes and ice-condition updates before you go, choose well-traveled spots, travel with a partner, and keep shore-based rescue gear close at hand. Our two cents? Enjoy the trout while you can, but don’t let a frozen surface turn a good day on the water into a bad one for you or your neighbors.