Fishing Report: Construction at Red River Hatchery

Stocking Report summary: For the week ending December 12, 2025, Young Pond received 200 lbs (~11 inches). of Triploid Rainbow Trout from Los Ojos Hatchery. Bill Evans Lake received two deliveries of stock of 400 lbs and 800 lbs (both ~11 inches) of Triploid Rainbow Trout, also from the Los Ojos Hatchery.

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Southwest New Mexico Fishing Report

• Bear Canyon Lake: Fishing conditions have been adversely affected in the aftermath of the Trout Fire.
• Bill Evans Lake: The most recent report was received Nov. 20. At that time, fishing for catfish was fair to good when using natural scent trout bait. Fishing for largemouth bass was good when using crawdads. 
• Elephant Butte Lake: The most recent report was received Dec. 4. At that time, fishing for white bass was slow to fair when using shad-colored crankbaits. Fishing for striped bass was slow to fair when using jerkbaits.
• Escondida Lake:The most recent report was received Nov. 27. At that time, fishing for catfish was good when using PowerBait.
• Gila River: Streamflow near Gila Wednesday morning was 100 cfs.
• Gila Waters: Streamflow near Gila Hot Springs Wednesday morning was 50.9 cfs.
• 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 & Fish received no reports for the following waterbodies over the past three weeks: Caballo Lake, Elephant Butte Lake, Glenwood Pond, Lake Roberts, Percha Dam, Rancho Grande Ponds, Snow Lake, Trees Lake and Young Pond. 

Construction at Red River Hatchery

The Department is working with a private contractor to make long-needed improvements to an aging and dilapidated bridge that crosses the Red River at the Red River Fish Hatchery. During this process, the Red River Hatchery Visitor Center and Self-Guided Tour will be closed from Dec. 8, 2025-Jan. 31, 2026. Upon completion of the project, visitors will once again be able to drive and park their vehicles at the Visitor Center.

During this time, anglers will still have access to the two parking lots south of the Red River, as well as to fishing on the lower stretch of the Red River above and below the bridge. Visitors are cautioned to stay clear of the bridge for their safety and follow construction signage. There will be large equipment in the vicinity during construction.

Please feel free to contact the Red River Hatchery at 575-586-0222 for up-to-date information regarding closures and access.

Game and Fish added: “We hope to have a safe and shiny new bridge available for you all soon!”

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.