Southwest New Mexico Catch of the Week
Bill Evans Lake: Eric Ockerhausen caught one catfish on Nov. 17. He said, “I kayak trolled for trout for two hours and went back to the dock and put out a line with power bait while I was loading my gear and caught this catfish after about four minutes.”
Source: New Mexico Game and Fish
Photo: Courtesy
Southwest New Mexico Fishing Report
- Bear Canyon Lake: Fishing conditions have been adversely affected in the aftermath of the Trout Fire.
- Bill Evans Lake: Fishing for catfish was fair to good when using natural sent trout bait. Fishing for largemouth bass was good when using crawdads.
- 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: The most recent report was received Nov. 13. At that time, 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 18.2 cfs.
- Glenwood Pond: The most recent report was received Oct. 30. At that time, 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: Caballo Lake, Lake Roberts, Percha Dam, Rancho Grande Ponds, Snow Lake, Trees Lake and Young Pond.
Behind the Scenes at the Red River Hatchery
Meet Sidney Marek, recently promoted to Assistant Manager at the Red River Fish Hatchery, as she shares her vital role in supporting New Mexico’s fish populations. As part of the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish’s effort to highlight the hardworking scientists behind conservation efforts, Sidney gives us an inside look at her day-to-day work and the importance of fish hatcheries in preserving the state’s aquatic ecosystems. Join us in celebrating the science and passion that helps protect New Mexico’s natural resources.
Remember to let NMDGF 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.