Fishing Report: A Perspective on Following Fishing Etiquette

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 South Monticello boat ramp is currently closed and access to Rattlesnake Island is currently restricted due to low water levels. The closures will be lifted when water levels rise and conditions allow.
• Gila River: Streamflow near Gila Wednesday morning was 65.3 cfs. The most recent report was received Jan. 8. At that time, fishing for Gila trout was slow to fair when using flies in the west fork.
• Gila Waters: Streamflow near Gila Hot Springs Wednesday morning was 57.7 cfs.
• Quemado Lake:The lake has reopened to the public.
• Rio Grande: Streamflow below Elephant Butte Dam on Wednesday morning was 0.37 cfs. 

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

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Following Fishing Etiquette

By Darren Vaughan

If you recently got your first fishing rod, or maybe a fully stocked tackle box, for Christmas, congratulations!

Maybe over the past few weeks, you’ve cast your line for the very first time and started to truly embrace your new pastime. But, as with anything worthwhile, there are some rules, both written and unwritten, that go along with the pursuit of reeling in the big one.

The most obvious rules are the written ones. You can find them in the latest Fishing Rules and Information Booklet, available on the New Mexico Department of Wildlife’s website and at NMDOW offices and license vendors across the state (keep an eye out for the 2026-2027 edition that will be released in the coming weeks!). Remember, it’s your responsibility to know and abide by all the rules and regulations each time you head out.

Perhaps tougher to gauge are the unwritten rules of proper etiquette, especially if you’re a newbie. You can find a variety of advice with a Google search. Still, the best I’ve discovered might come from our friends at Idaho Fish and Game, who have dedicated an entire webpage to how anglers can work together to ensure an enjoyable experience for all. The video below outlines some essential tips, even if we’re not typically fishing for steelhead and salmon around these parts:

The best advice that Idaho Fish and Game provides can be summed up in three simple tips:

1. Talk to one another about how to best fish together.
2. Be tolerant of other people’s mistakes and ignorance of generally accepted fishing practices by taking a moment to help educate them.
3. Remember that everyone wants to enjoy themselves while fishing, so treat others with respect and think about how you’d like to be treated.

t seems like fairly simple advice, but a little kindness, communication and understanding can go a long way to help us all enjoy the great outdoors together.

Let NMDGF know how your fishing trip goes! Share your tips and tricks with your fellow anglers by filling out the iFish form and let’s help the next generation of anglers find success.