Artful Angler

Artful Angler operates out of Santa Fe, New Mexico and runs trips out of Santa Fe, Taos, Chama and Navajo Dam. It is owner-guided by Jake Clemens, who was born in New Mexico and has over twelve years of experience guiding his home waters here and in southern Colorado, and the operation is pitched squarely at environmental education: a day covers tackle, rigging, casting and presentation, and also riparian and lacustrine ecosystems and entomology. Both walk-and-wade trips and float trips from a drift boat are offered, in half, full and multiple-day formats, along with hike-and-fish days and trips combined with wine tasting or a cultural tour of the region at no extra charge. Everything needed for the day is provided, including equipment, hand-tied flies and tackle, snacks, lunch and drinks, and transportation. The business operates under permit on the Santa Fe National Forest, the Carson National Forest, Bureau of Land Management ground, New Mexico State Parks and in the state of Colorado; its guides are trained at minimum in first aid and CPR and it is fully insured. It runs as a ninety-nine per cent catch and release operation.