Fishing Report: Spring Has Sprung

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 March 12. At that time, fishing for trout was fair to good when using PowerBait and garlic cheese.
• Elephant Butte Lake: The South Monticello boat ramp is currently closed due to low water levels. The closure will be lifted when water levels rise and conditions allow.
• Escondida Lake: The most recent report was received March 12. At that time, fishing for trout was good when using PowerBait and garlic-scented marshmallows.
• Gila River: Streamflow near Gila Wednesday morning was 66.7 cfs.
• Gila Waters: Streamflow near Gila Hot Springs Wednesday morning was 62.9 cfs.
• Lake Roberts: The most recent report was received March 12. At that time, fishing for trout was fair to good when using PowerBait, cheese and red eggs.
• Quemado Lake: Fishing for trout and tiger muskie was very good when using Trout Slayers.
• Rio Grande: Streamflow below Elephant Butte Dam on Wednesday morning was 0.02 cfs.

New Mexico Wildlife received no reports for the following waterbodies over the past three weeks: Caballo Lake, Glenwood Pond, Percha Dam, Quemado Lake, Rancho Grande Ponds, Snow Lake, Trees Lake and Young Pond. 

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Spring has Sprung

By Darren Vaughan

This weekend, we welcomed the vernal equinox — or, as it’s more commonly known, the first day of spring.

With that comes longer, warmer days, and more hours to spend out in nature enjoying New Mexico’s spectacular scenery and some of the most underrated fishing opportunities in the country.

Of course, those of us who have been here a while, or their entire lives in many cases, know that this might just be a mirage. Sure, we’re ringing in spring with temperatures in the low 80s this weekend in Santa Fe, approaching 90 in Albuquerque and low-to-mid 90s in Las Cruces. But we also know there’s a possibility of sub-freezing mornings and blustery 50-degree days still to come — also known as “fake spring.”

But no matter what the weather brings us over the next couple months, it’s a great time to be outdoors, casting a line in your favorite lake or stream and spending time in nature, maybe with some friends and/or family and reeling in a few fish.

Of course, it always helps to have a few tricks up your sleeve when you go out there hoping for a successful day of fishing. A quick Google search reveals numerous YouTube videos and personal blogs with early spring fishing tips, as well as ideas from reputable publications and other state wildlife agencies that can be helpful.

Back in 2017, our friends at TakeMeFishing.org took the opportunity to share some tips for various species across the country. For instance, hatchery-raised trout can be easier to catch in the first two weeks of the season, as they are eager for a meal; however, in catch-and-release areas, they can eventually figure out what anglers are doing.

Of course, the most important advice is to make sure your fishing license is up to date! Licenses for the 2025-2026 license year are still good, but only until March 31. After that date, you’ll need to have a 2026-2027 license. These licenses go on sale March 25 at Department offices and license vendors across the state, as well as through the Department’s Online Licensing System. You can also call our Information Center at 888-248-6866 during regular business hours, and they’ll be glad to help you get set up!

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Let NMDW 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.