Fishing Report: Special Trout Waters Help Conserve  New Mexico’s Treasures

Fishing for largemouth bass was good when using salmon eggs and Garlic PowerBait last week at Bill Evans Lake.

Source: N.M. Department of Wildlife
Cover Photo: Courtesy

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 good when using salmon eggs and Garlic PowerBait. 
• Caballo Lake: The most recent report was received May 7. At that time, fishing for catfish was good when using cut bait.
• Elephant Butte Lake: The most recent report was received April 23. At that time, fishing for largemouth bass was good when using grubs. 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 May 7. At that time, fishing for catfish was good when using swim bait.
• Gila River: Streamflow near Gila Wednesday morning was 33.4 cfs.
• Gila Waters: Streamflow near Gila Hot Springs Wednesday morning was 56.7 cfs.
• Lake Roberts: The most recent report was received May 7. At that time, fishing for catfish was slow when using PowerBait.
• Quemado Lake: The most recent report was received April 23. At that time, fishing for tiger muskie was good when using Panther Martins.
• Rio Grande: Streamflow below Elephant Butte Dam on Wednesday morning was 525 cfs.

N.M. Department of Wildlife received no reports for the following waterbodies over the past three weeks: Glenwood Pond, Percha Dam, Rancho Grande Ponds, Trees Lake, Snow Lake and Young Pond.

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Special Trout Waters Help Conserve  New Mexico’s Treasures

By Dela Joyner

North Area Public Information Specialist

The only thing more iconic to New Mexico than red and green chile might just be New Mexico trout.

Across the state, the New Mexico Department of Wildlife manages Special Trout Waters with unique regulations designed to protect native trout and help grow trophy-sized fish for anglers to enjoy for generations to come.

These waters are designated as Red Chile, Green Chile or Christmas Chile waters, each with its own combination of catch-and-release rules, tackle restrictions and bag limits. One of the most common regulations anglers encounter in these waters is the requirement to use a single barbless hook.

The good news is you do not always need to buy specialty tackle before heading out. With a pair of pliers and a standard treble hook lure, you can quickly make your tackle compliant in the field. Simply cut off the two extra hook points to create a single hook, then flatten the barb using your pliers. In just a few seconds, you have a single barbless hook ready for Special Trout Waters.

This simple trick can help anglers stay legal while helping protect New Mexico’s trout fisheries and reducing stress on fish that are released. So if you unexpectedly find yourself at a Special Trout Water, chances are you already have everything you need in your tackle box.

For a full list of Special Trout Waters, regulations, and additional catch-and-release tips, check the New Mexico Fishing Rules and Information booklet or visit the New Mexico Department of Wildlife website.