Fishing Report: Walleye Spawning…“they are out there.”

Southwest New Mexico Fishing Report

• Bear Canyon Lake: Fishing conditions have been adversely affected in the aftermath of the Trout Fire.
• Elephant Butte Lake: The most recent report was received Oct. 30. At that time, fishing for catfish was slow to fair when using carp and shad cut bait. Fishing for crappie was good when using white grubs.
• Escondida Lake: Fishing for bass was slow when using curly tail jigs.
• Gila River: Streamflow near Gila Wednesday morning was 63.9 cfs. The most recent report was received Oct. 30. At that time, fishing for smallmouth bass was slow to fair when using nightcrawler jigs.
• Gila Waters: Streamflow near Gila Hot Springs Wednesday morning was 35.6 cfs.
• Glenwood Pond: Fishing for trout was fair to good when using gold Joe’s Flies and worms under a bobber.
• Quemado Lake: The lake is currently closed due to an algal bloom. It will reopen when the New Mexico Environment Department advises that the lake is safe for public use. For more information, visit the Gila National Forest website.
• Rio Grande: Streamflow below Elephant Butte Dam on Wednesday morning was 0 cfs. 

Game and Fish received no reports for the following waterbodies over the past three weeks: Bill Evans Lake, Caballo Lake, Lake Roberts, Percha Dam, Rancho Grande Ponds, Snow Lake, Trees Lake and Young Pond.

---

Walleye Spawning [Video content]

Walleye might not be the first species that comes to mind when you think about fishing in New Mexico, but they’re out there! Check out this video from the Department’s YouTube channel showing the spawning process at Conchas and Santa Rosa lakes that allows these fish to thrive.

Remember to let Game and Fish know how your fishing trip goes! Share your tips, tricks and stories with your fellow anglers by filling out the iFish form and let’s help the next generation of anglers find success. If you would like to submit a story for Tips, Tricks and Stories, please email Communications Director Darren Vaughan at Darren.Vaughan@dgf.nm.gov.