For some reason Hopewell is not fishing well this year in midsummer. It could be because they didn't stock as much early in the season, or the lack of afternoon showers and the heat is affecting the insect life, or more people are now fishing this lake with Canjilon Lakes being closed. Regardless, my last two trips to Hopewell were dismal, even though I remember being quite successful even midday last year around this time.
Your best bet if you're set on Hopewell is to camp and not fish until dusk; that's when the fish were rising and when I caught a few. Try the Vallecitos during the day.
Have you been up to Hopewell Lake recently? I was thinking about hitting it up this weekend, since they just stocked it (according to the NMDGF). I've never been there, but wanted to check it out since it's open. Thoughts? Any suggestions on what to use?
I went for a quick trip a couple weeks ago and caught a couple stockers. It should be good--they have been stocking the heck out of it since a lot of the other areas in the state are closed now.
They'll hit prince nymphs and copper johns, fished just a couple feet below the surface. If you see them rising, go for a caddis or stimulator.
Yeah I may go this weekend. Do you think it will be pretty busy? I don't know maybe I'll go Sunday.
dropper? Or just go straight for one fly?
Hey! I was out backpacking--sorry I didn't get to reply before your trip. Let me know if you did go fishing and how it went. It's a bit after the fact, but I had luck with the dry-dropper combo. If they don't seem to hit the top at all, doing a double nymph rig has also worked.
Welcome back!! I saw your beautiful brown on Instagram! Very cool!!
Thank you again for the information you gave me was on point. I ended up going for Father's Day and killed it with the coCopp John's!! I did a caddis with a nymph rig, but they never hit the caddis. I ended up pulling out a little rainbow with a olive scud on his mouth! Unhooked him and he was out! I ened up staying for a while, then it started getting crowded. So I down back home. I had a great time! I'm definitely going back up.