FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 6, 2020
Sugarite Canyon State Park Open to Ice Fishing
Lake Alice is Now Open to Walk-Ins for Ice Fishing
Raton, NM – The Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources State Parks Division announces that Lake Alice at Sugarite Canyon State Park near Raton is now open for ice fishing. Recent cold weather has increased the lake’s ice thickness to minimum standards, according New Mexico State Parks officials. State Parks has the authority to close or restrict access to areas of parks, as well as to restrict, limit or prohibit activities such as ice fishing as conditions require. Such actions are taken in the interest of public safety and resource protection. Lake Maloya remains closed to ice fishing at this time.
State officials warn that all activities on the lake surface are at your own risk. Before going out onto the ice, consider the following safety precautions:
• Do not fish alone. Before you leave shore, inform someone of your destination and expected time of return.
• Lifejackets save lives. Always wear a lifejacket (personal flotation device).
• Be aware of and prepared for weather conditions. Dress in layers and wear thermal underwear, fleece or wool, and wind and waterproof outerwear, especially for feet, hands, and head. Take extra clothes, food, water, etc.
• Keep fishing holes small and few. When drilling fishing holes with an ice auger, keep the diameter under eight inches. Bigger holes are not necessary to land fish and can create a safety hazard for others.
• Watch your step. Avoid ice fishing near feeder streams or known springs, brush, logs, plants, or docks, multiple ice cracks or ice that is popping or otherwise audible, and dark colored ice that may be weak. Ice spikes are recommended for self-rescue.
• Spread out. Too many people congregated in one area may be more than the ice can safely support. Disperse weight and fishing holes.
For more information and current updates about the lake’s ice conditions, please contact Sugarite Canyon State Park, (575) 445-5607. Information is also available at www.nmparks.com.
Ice Fishing at Sugarite Canyon State Park
Unfortunately, Lake Maloya still remains closed. Park Superintendent Robert McIvor checked Lake Maloya today, and actually broke through crusty snow into about 3″ of water and found that there was only about 3″ of ice below that.
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The Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department provides resource protection and renewable energy resource development services to the public and other state agencies.
http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us
