All Fly Fishermen have the same fantasy.  If only they had their own Stream that they could fish at their leisure and not have to compete with others and truly enjoy the quiet solitude of their sport. 

   Charlie Mulcock at the Mulcock Ranch has provided that fantasy for us by allowing us to share his private little bit of paradise.  You will fish for beautiful Rainbow Trout at your own pace on varied water ranging from deep canyon fast moving, pocket water to slower moving, ox bow water, meandering over spectacular meadows.  The Rainbows won’t disappoint you with multiple scars from being caught often or be subjected to one “dink” after another because you know there is a lunker just around the next corner.

   Because Charlie and his family are such great hosts, as they share their Ranch with us, you can fantasize that this is your own bit of heaven. Mulcock Ranch, from the available bunkhouse to the various types of fishing water will make you feel “right at home”.

Bob Gerding

 

   I'm a fly fisherman.  Chasing trout with a long rod has been foremost in my sporting adventures from the time I was 13.  I'm 31 now, and have fished all over the country.  From my home waters in Pennsylvania's limestone country, to Montana, Colorado, and Alaska, I've chalked up a lot of the great rivers.  When I took a job as a construction manager in southeastern New Mexico I went into a sort of shock.  The desert is no place for a trout fisherman.  I don't golf.  Seems like there's a golf course wherever you find yourself in America.  But trout streams are different.  They're in special places.  You can't just build one like you can a golf course.

    It took a little searching, but I eventually heard some rumors and reports about a spring creek in the high desert near Mayhill.  Some said it was good.  Some said it was just stuffed with chubs.  But it was flowing water that seemingly offered fish that would take a fly.  I had to find out.  I was months without any fishing, so I called Charlie Mulcock and asked for the details of fishing the Rio Penasco on his property.  "Come on up, but get here early.  There's a good hatch first thing in the morning."  Hatch?  I'm on my way.

    This would be my first experience with paying rod fees to fish private water.  I balked a bit at first, but once my number one girl reminded me what golfers pay in greens fees every weekend, it put things into new light.  Which reminds me... I have to get around to asking Samantha to marry me.  Any woman who encourages you to fish, and spend money on fishing, is a keeper. 

    I met Charlie at his home early on a Saturday in July.  I was invited in, and my fly boxes were inspected.  Charlie is a gracious working rancher who is rightfully proud of his land and the water that flows through it.  Maps and aerial photos were produced to give me an idea of just how much water we were talking about.  The Rio Penasco flows for 5 miles through the Mulcock Ranch and offers every conceivable type of small to medium water a trout fisherman could want.  Pocket water, classic run-riffle-pool sections, meadow stretches with deep undercut banks.  The lower part of the river flows through a deep, narrow canyon, complete with waterfalls of 40 feet.  All this was modestly pointed out when Charlie gave me the grand tour via his ATV.   

    After the tour I was left to explore.  This river really does have it all.  Technical dry fly fishing in the morning in the meadow sections.  Hoppers in the afternoon in the canyon.  Fishing deep for 18"+ tout in the leviathan pools with a wooly bugger or other big streamer.  Delicate spinner falls as evening descends.  I put in an honest 12 hours on the Rio Penasco.  It felt like I spent a week on three different rivers.  I stopped counting fish at 10 when I took a break for coffee mid-morning.  The fish are strong and healthy and no pushovers - but just curious enough that you can probably get away with a Parachute Adams in various sizes, a small hopper, small Rusty Spinners, and an olive Wooly Bugger fished well. 

   You'll hear people say that the Rio Penasco is a good trout stream for being in southern New Mexico.  The truth is, it's a great trout stream period.  No qualifications.  Charlie and his family understand just how special this water is.  The fact that they're willing to share it with wayward fishermen from Pennsylvania for a nominal rod fee is to their credit. 

    The golfers can have their courses conveniently located in every town in America.  I'll keep putting on the miles for trout.  And I'll give my greens fees to Charlie Mulcock. 

Ryan Sabo

Vagabond Trout Fisherman from Pennsylvania

   I've been fishing at the Mulcock Ranch - Penasco Spring River Flyfishing Club for nine years. Charlie, Marcetta, and the rest of the crew do an outstanding job managing this high desert hidden jewel. The trout are almost as hospitable as the owners. I'd tell you that 16" - 20" Rainbows are common but that might cause me to have more competition on the water! Five miles of private stream enable a fisherman to pound the water all day without any concern about crowds - try that at your favorite piece of public water! Come try the Penasco. I guarantee... You'll be back!"

D. Chris Harkins, Esq., Amarillo, Texas

   My daughter doesn’t even call it the Penasco River.  She calls it Charlie’s river.  In the last six years since we have been members on the lease, Kate has judged every other river we fish on, against the benchmark of Charlie’s river.  It is her personal gold standard for rivers.  I suppose it’s mine as well.

Mike Halley

   Hey Charlie--Hope all is well.  Bud saw this picture that I had taken of my son with one of your fish and thought you might like to put it on it the website.  It's a twenty incher that came from the last pool

below the fence.  Thanks again for your hospitality and for the great memories.  My boy Aaron still talks about  it.  Here's hoping for a wet winter!

David Poole

   My strike indicator drifted down in the slow current, then disappeared.  Setting the hook, I felt the unmistakable heft of a big fish.  A few minutes later I briefly admired a fat 16 inch rainbow before releasing it from my net. This fish is typical of the trout on the Mulcock Ranch; fat, sassy, and big. Oh, did I mention plentiful.  Charlie carefully manages his section of the Rio Penasco to provide an excellent fishing experience. There is lots of good water on this spring creek and enough challenge to satisfy most any fly fisher. Deer and turkey abound.

   The Mulcock Ranch is my primary winter and spring fishing destination. 

Paul B Downing

Rocky Mountain Region Editor

Fly Fish America Magazine

   Charlie - Thanks for the great turkey hunt this year on the ranch.  It’s always special when you can spend quality time with your son in the field and your hospitality just makes it that much more fun.  Of course bagging two big tom turkeys doesn’t hurt either!  Hope to see you and Marcetta next year. Jack Kelly

   Water is scarce in arid southern NM, and trout water is even more rare.  Good trout water is virtually unheard of - except on the Rio Penasco.  Flowing through a memorable landscape of grassland, scrub, and wooded limestone canyon, the Penasco on the Mulcock Ranch flows clear and cold most of the year.  I fish it year round, and nearly always catch 5-10 fish in a half day.  The fishery is well-managed...20-fish days are not at all unusual during a good Dun hatch or during hopper season, and there are some 25"+ giants lurking in good cover or in deep pools.

   Stream access over the 5 miles of water ranges from easy (anyone can walk from the car and catch fish with no wading) to challenging (bushwhacking in the canyon to find that secluded spot necessary for a REAL fish story...), but nearly everywhere the water is easily wadeable and there is enough casting room.

   Mr. Mulcock often comes by to give helpful advice or to have an enjoyable, friendly chat about the fishing, the weather, or the state of the world. Overall, I would recommend the experience of the Mulcock Ranch to anyone who enjoys something a little different on their fishing menu.  

Andrew Brill, member since 2002

  The Rio Penasco at Mulcock Ranch has the best trout fishing for at least 500 miles in any direction. The fish are huge and hungry, and with a fairly stable water temperature due to being a spring fed stream, casting to rising 'Bows in February is not an uncommon occurrence. The river offers a variety of fishing possibilities and the fellowship is priceless.

Ron

I own The Gadget Co. We are a full service flyfishing store in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I fish a lot! I can say in all honesty that Charlie Mulcock's operation is on the top of my list for destinations. When I am ask about great trips I have been on I always talk about the Mulcock Ranch!!

Jerry Parkhurst

I've spent many days fishing and golfing . . . except for my study of the Bible, the rest were wasted!

Ron Swager

   The Mulcock Ranch is a unique fishing experience.  The wildlife is worth the trip alone.  The fish are smart and present a fishing challenge that makes the catching very rewarding.  Each day usually presents some good dry fly fishing as well as deeper water fishing.  The river has many bends with very deep holes that hold the fish. There are also runs and riffles.  I have had three straight days of landing over 20 fish per day.  The fish are good sized and I have even caught a 22 inch rainbow.      

   The lodge has many creature comforts and provides quick and easy access to the river.  I love it and would like to fish there more often.  Charlie is a great host and is willing to share information on the best flies to use and get the newcomers familiar with the river.

Steve Brown, Tucson, AZ

   I’ve fished for trout a lot of places around the world and after those experiences see no reason to drop the Rio Penasco from my list.  Charlie and his wife, Marquetta, make “his river” a really user friendly fishing destination whether it’s a day trip, or even better, a few nights in the comfortable camp house that’s available to all members.  The Rio Penasco has a certain magic and personality to it that separates it from other rivers.

   Whether it be in the middle of winter with big snowflakes coming down in that dead quiet you get while it’s snowing, or in the height of hopper season in the summer, it’s a neat place to fish for all levels of fly fishermen.  Whether you’re just trying to catch your first trout on the fly, or trying to get that perfect drift on a really technical cast to a pinpoint spot where there is, as likely as not, a big trout living.

   Also, be advised – little river doesn’t equate to little fish, I’ve hooked some really large Rainbow and Brown trout in this river and even managed to land and photograph quite a few over the years.  You need to come here with the prior knowledge that you will want to return again and again.

Bill Fenn

   I have been fishing the Rio Penasco since I was 4 years old and have been a member of Charlie’s fly fishing club since its inception.  I have fished some of the more “popular” trout streams in the Western U.S., including the San Juan, Green River, Animas, Los Pinos, etc.  And as great as these classic fisheries are, I am always grateful that my trout stream is the Rio Penasco.  I would not trade it for any other stream.  Due to its southern location & mild climate, I can fish it 12 months a year.  The river has great aquatic insect life and the terrestrials in the summer bring all of the trout to the surface.  In addition, the chubs (junk fish) that live in the river provide a great food source for the trout to become quite large.

   I have fished many sections of the Rio Penasco over the past 24 years, but have never found a stretch that can compares to the one that flows through Charlie Mulcock’s property.  The five-mile stretch on the Mulcock Ranch has a great diversity of water, from deep holes and pools to riffles and runs.  Charlie runs a great operation and I encourage anyone who loves to fly fish to visit the ranch and see for themselves the secret I have known for a long time.

Scott Scroggin

   My son Scott and I have cast our flies in a lot of streams across the country. We always compare our experiences to the Penasco River. With very few exceptions, the Penasco outperforms in numbers and size of trout. Once on Mulcock Ranch, accessibility to the stream is unmatched. From stepping right out of the vehicle and walking 20 or less yards to the stream - to moderate hiking in the lower section, there's something for all age groups. The stream is prolific with insect life and the fish grow quickly. Dries, dry-droppers, nymphs and streamers all have their place in the selection process. This is a remarkable stream on a working cattle ranch and very well managed by Charlie Mulcock.  

Tommy Scroggin

   The Mulcock Ranch is scenic enough from the highway, nestled among the foothills that bridge the High Plains and the Sacramento Mountains of southern New Mexico.  But when you turn into the gate and lay eyes on the Rio Penasco for the first time, you know you’ve discovered a rare gem, especially if you’re a fly fisherman.  Snaking lazily through the Mulcock Ranch, this glistening spring-fed stream brushes by manicured fields and rocky slopes, only to plunge into a secluded canyon.  All along the way, the river offers miles of supreme trout habitat among deep pools, cut banks, graceful bends, gnarled tree roots, waterfalls, and ample aquatic vegetation.  Modern club house facilities, situated near ancient Indian campgrounds and a frontier homestead, make the angling experience comfortable and convenient.  The southern latitude makes fly fishing possible at any time of the year and the catch-and-release policy ensures a sport fishery unlike any other in the world.  No fly fisherman’s list of destinations is complete without a visit to the Mulcock Ranch’s Rio Penasco.

Mike Blakely

   December 28, with the rest of the country freezing its butt off, i am at the Mulcock Ranch catching fish on blue wings!  It just doesn't get any better. 2008 has been a wonderful year; lots of fish and big  fish. Add in the beautiful scenery, deer, turkey, and always interesting conversations with Charlie.

Gary Mann

   The Mulcock ranch is  beautiful place and has some great flyfishing.  Any time you can catch fish on dry flies it's great but when you add the scenery and the personality and people of the Mulcock Ranch it is a perfect combination. My son and I have fished the Ranch twice now... our most delightful memory is catching trout on size 20  bwo with a light snow falling around us... just awesome.    

Flyfishing artist Rod Crossman 

   The great fly fishing on the Rio Penasco, together with the scenery, history , wildlife, birdwatching and wonderful people all make for a world class experience.

Gary Neal

   Never been shut out!  Always catch fish a few and most are 16” or bigger.  Terrain is so variable you can pick your area that you want to spend on the river.  Best flyfishing in New Mexico!

Lynn Willard