Fishing Report: Fish Art Contest open to kids through Jan. 31

Another Fish Story From Southwest New Mexico

Glenwood Pond: Sebastien, age 4, caught this trout — his first fish ever — using PowerBait with the help of his dad, Abel Flores, on Dec. 14.

Southwest New Mexico Fishing Report

• Bear Canyon Lake: Fishing conditions have been adversely affected in the aftermath of the Trout Fire.
• Elephant Butte Lake: Fishing for catfish was good when using chicken.
• 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 61.2 cfs.
• Gila Waters: Streamflow near Gila Hot Springs Wednesday morning was 49.9 cfs.
• Glenwood Pond: Fishing for trout was good when using PowerBait.
• 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 0.77 cfs. 

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

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Department’s Fish Art Contest open to kids through Jan. 31

New Mexico students in grades K-12 are invited to take part in the Art of Conservation New Mexico Fish Art Contest, sponsored by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish in conjunction with Wildlife Forever.

Fish are an integral part of New Mexico’s diverse ecosystems, providing vital support to local biodiversity and contributing to the health of rivers, lakes and streams. From the prized native trout of the Rio Grande to the colorful bass that inhabit the state’s reservoir, fish play an essential role in maintaining the balance of aquatic environments.

Submission by Steven Ju (Grade 7-9 Division, Georgia), (Bottom Left) Submission by Mia Macias (Grade 10-12 Division, Texas), (Right) Submission by Cindy Ye (Grade 10-12 Division, Virginia)

For many New Mexicans, fishing is not only a cherished pastime, but also a way to connect with nature, support local economies and preserve cultural traditions. Through the Art of Conservation New Mexico Fish Art Contest, participants can use their creative talents to highlight the beauty and importance of these aquatic species, fostering a deeper appreciation for New Mexico’s natural resources. Art serves as a powerful means of expressing the significance of fish conservation, inspiring others to protect these creatures and the habitats they call home.

Related Story: K-12 Youth Competition: Department announces New Mexico Fish Art Contest; Submission Deadline January 31

Young artists can vie for first, second and third prizes in four grade categories: K-3; 4-6; 7-9; and 10-12. Additional awards include the Invader Crusader Award, for submissions featuring both invasive and native aquatic species from the student’s local area; the Mighty Minnow Award, which celebrates kindergarten participants; the New Mexico Native Trout Award, for submissions featuring New Mexico’s unique native trout species, the Gila trout or the Rio Grande cutthroat trout; the New Mexico Species of Greatest Conservation Need Award, for artwork that features fish species identified by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish as being most at risk and in need of proactive conservation; and the Outdoor Show Fan Favorite Awards, which will go to one winner in each grade category based on the votes of attendees at the New Mexico Outdoor Adventures Show from Feb. 13-15 in Albuquerque. 

The entry deadline is Jan. 31, 2026, and judging will take place in March. Submissions must be scanned in and then submitted using the online entry form. Additional information regarding the contest, including a list of species, is available on the Department’s website.

Educators and members of the public should contact Assistant Chief of Education Curt Coffman at DGF-AquaticEd@dgf.nm.gov with any questions.