Fishing Report: Challenge your fishing skills in New Mexico’s waters

Elephant Butte: Landon caught his biggest catfish with shad.

Source: N.M. Department of Wildlife
Photos: Courtesy

• 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 May 14. At that time, fishing for largemouth bass was good using salmon eggs and Garlic PowerBait.
• Caballo Lake: The most recent report was received May 21. At that time, fishing for walleye was slow but white bass was fair when using colorful lures.
• Elephant Butte Lake: Fishing for white bass was good when using minnows and cut bait. Fishing for catfish was good when using cut shad. 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 21. At that time, fishing for catfish was very good when using shrimp.
• Gila River: Fishing for trout was good when using flies. Streamflow near Gila on Tuesday morning was 14 cfs.
• Gila Waters: Streamflow near Gila Hot Springs on Tuesday morning was 49.9 cfs.
• Glenwood Pond: Fishing for trout was good when using worms.
• Lake Roberts: The most recent report was received May 28. At that time, fishing for crappie was fair to good when using lures.
• Quemado Lake: Fishing for trout was good when using worms.
• Rio Grande: Streamflow below Elephant Butte Dam on Wednesday morning was 2100 cfs.

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

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Challenge your fishing skills in New Mexico’s waters

By Melissa Garnett

Southeast Area Public Information Specialist

The New Mexico Fishing Challenges were created to inspire anglers to get outside, explore new waters, and discover parts of the state you might not usually visit. These challenges capture the spirit of adventure and friendly competition by encouraging participants to broaden their fishing experiences.

New Mexico Department of Wildlife Fishing Challenges include:

The Trout Challenge:

• Rainbow trout
• Brown trout
• Brook trout
• Rio Grande cutthroat trout
• Gila trout

The Bass Challenge:

• Largemouth bass
• Smallmouth bass
• White bass
• Spotted bass

Earn the title of New Mexico Master Angler:

The Master Angler Award Program challenges anglers to catch one or even all of the 26 qualifying fish species listed in the official program rules.

This is a length‑based challenge. To qualify, your catch must meet or exceed the minimum length for that species. Full species list and length requirements are available on our website under “Fish Challenges” and on the application form.

Important: To be eligible for the award, you must provide a clear photo of your fish on a measuring board for length verification.

Whether you’re chasing your first qualifying catch or aiming for all 26, this is your chance to show off your skill and join a growing community of dedicated anglers across New Mexico.

Photo Courtesy N.M. Department of Wildlife

How Can I Participate?

Joining the New Mexico Fishing Challenges is easy. Head out to your favorite fishing spot or explore somewhere new to start working towards your challenge goals. Anglers are required to have a valid New Mexico fishing license (for anglers 12 and older) and to fish public waters in search of particular species.

As each species required for the challenge is caught, take a photo! You’ll need to send in those photos as proof of what you caught. Once you’ve caught ’em all, send the photos, your Customer Identification Number (CIN) and list the location of each catch to dgf-fishingchallenges@dgf.nm.gov.

There is no time limit for completing the challenge. Some anglers finish within a single summer, while others take several years to achieve their goal. Our youngest participant so far was just six years old! People travel from across the United States to take part in our fishing challenges. Last year alone, anglers from 13 different states completed the New Mexico Trout Challenge.

What Are the Rewards for Finishing a Challenge?

Participants who complete a challenge will receive an exclusive challenge coin and a personalized certificate to celebrate their achievement.

Get out there, see what you can discover in New Mexico’s beautiful waters, and happy fishing!

Please note that all NMDOW fishing rules apply.