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Yearout Ranch, Chama, NM - November 2006
In 2006 Aquatic Consultants, Inc. was contracted to enhance the water features on this ranch by renovating existing lakes and constructing new lakes and streams. The ultimate goal of the renovation was to create an environment suitable for growing and maintaining trophy trout populations, and making this ranch one of the premier fishing ranches in the Southwest.
The existing lakes underwent major renovations including contouring of interior lake slopes to produce optimum fish feeding areas and angler wading areas. The shorelines were stabilized using vertical rock walls, rip-rap and emergent vegetation. Fish habitat was created in each lake to produce ideal cover and spawning habitat for the various trout and baitfish species. Aeration systems were placed in both lakes to improve the overall health of the lakes and its fish. Upon completion, brown and brook trout were stocked into the North Lake, while rainbow trout and Snake River cutthroat trout were stocked into the House Lake.
Two small Kids' Ponds were constructed on either side of the road leading to the main residence. These lined ponds were stocked with smaller rainbow trout and will provide excellent fishing opportunities for both children and beginning fly-fisherman. Each pond has its own aeration system and a recirculation system that feeds water to the ponds from the House Lake.
The jewel of the project is a newly constructed trout stream that connects the North Lake to the House Lake. The stream was created to look and perform like a natural mountain stream. The stream edges were lined with natural rock, boulders, logs, emergent vegetation and wetland sod. Fish habitat was placed throughout the stream, as well as spawning substrate at the head of the stream. The stream was stocked with large rainbow trout upon completion.
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