Fishing Report: Safe Boating Promoted as Recreation Season Nears

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 largemouth bass was very good when using Hendrix Fishing 6-inch VooDoo Finesse Worms and fair to good when using square bills.
• Elephant Butte Lake: Fishing for white bass was very good when using a variety of lures. 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: Fishing for catfish was slow when using Gulp Trout Bait.
• Gila River: Streamflow near Gila Wednesday morning was 61.2 cfs.
• Gila Waters: Streamflow near Gila Hot Springs Wednesday morning was 66.2 cfs.
• Lake Roberts: The most recent report was received March 26. At that time, fishing for trout was slow to fair when using PowerBait and good when using rooster tail spinners from a kayak.
• Quemado Lake: Fishing for trout was slow to fair when using Garlic PowerBait.
• Rancho Grande Ponds: Fishing for catfish was very good when using PowerBait.
• Rio Grande: Streamflow below Elephant Butte Dam on Wednesday morning was 0.1 cfs.

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

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New Mexico promotes safe boating as recreation season nears

Story By New Mexico State Parks

As spring approaches and New Mexicans begin planning time on the water, New Mexico State Parks is encouraging boaters to take advantage of free boating safety courses offered statewide.  

Boating is one of the most popular outdoor activities in New Mexico. From paddling across quiet coves to waterskiing, tubing and operating personal watercraft, the state’s lakes provide opportunities for recreation, relaxation and adventure.  

But safe boating requires preparation. 

“New Mexico’s lakes offer incredible experiences for families and visitors, but boating safety must always come first,” said Boating Safety CoordinatorScott Chalmers. “Our courses help boaters understand the rules of the water, prepare for changing conditions and make responsible decisions that keep everyone safe.” 

While New Mexico is often perceived as a desert state, its lakes provide hundreds of miles of shoreline and diverse boating environments—from the pine-covered mesas surrounding Navajo Lake to the sandy beaches of Elephant Butte Lake.

Despite persistent statewide drought conditions, several lakes—including Conchas, Ute, and Storrie—are showing improved water levels heading into the recreation season. All State Parks remain popular destinations for boating, fishing, and paddling. Site reservations are available up to six months in advance by clicking here. 

Boating accidents can occur when operators are inexperienced, unprepared or take unnecessary risks. Sudden weather changes and cold-water conditions can also create dangerous situations for boaters throughout the year.  

To help reduce accidents and promote safe recreation, New Mexico State Parks offers the Boat New Mexico Course, a NASBLA-approved boating safety class available in communities across the state. Courses are free in both English and Spanish, and cover navigation rules, safety equipment and responsible boating practices.  

Upcoming classes include: 

• April 4 — Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park, Carlsbad
• April 4 — Abiquiú Lake, Abiquiú
• April 11 — Conchas Lake Volunteer Fire Department, Conchas Lake
• April 18 — Navajo Lake State Park, Navajo Dam
• May 16 — Rio Grande Nature Center, Albuquerque

Additional courses will continue throughout the year at locations across New Mexico. 

More details are available here. 

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