Fishing for catfish has been good when using chicken breast soaked in cherry Kool-Aid during the mid-morning hours at Caballo Lake. (Photo courtesy New Mexico State Parks)
Source: N.M. Department of Wildlife
Photos: Courtesy
(Cover Photo of Caballo Lake courtesy New Mexico State Parks)
Southwest New Mexico Fishing Report
- Bear Canyon Lake: Fishing conditions have been adversely affected in the aftermath of the Trout Fire.
- Caballo Lake: The most recent report was received June 11. At that time, fishing for catfish was good when using chicken breast soaked in cherry Kool-Aid during the mid-morning hours. Fishing for white bass was good using natural-colored and green lures, with good early-morning action that slowed quickly at midday.
- Elephant Butte Lake: The most recent report was received June 4. At that time, 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. For more information visit the Elephant Butte State Park page.
- Escondida Lake: The most recent report was received June 11. At that time, fishing for catfish was good when using worms and chicken liver.
- Gila River: Streamflow near Gila Wednesday morning was 10.5 cfs. The most recent report was received June 4. At that time, fishing for trout was good when using flies.
- Gila Waters: Streamflow near Gila Hot Springs Wednesday morning was 22.7 cfs.
- Glenwood Pond: The most recent report was received June 4. At that time, 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: The most recent report was received June 4. At that time, fishing for trout was good when using worms.
- Rio Grande: Streamflow below Elephant Butte Dam Wednesday morning was 2,560 cfs.
N.M. Department of Wildlife received no reports for the following waterbodies over the past three weeks: Bill Evans Lake, Percha Dam, Rancho Grande Ponds, Trees Lake, Snow Lake and Young Pond.
From egg to river: New Mexico’s hatchery system
We are lucky to have the fishing opportunities that New Mexico offers us, from high mountain streams to desert reservoirs and everything in between.
But have you ever wondered how those fish you’re catching (or, in most cases, trying to catch) got to your favorite fishing spot? The New Mexico Wildlife Podcast may be able to shine some light on the subject!
In its May episode, Paul Erker, the Department’s Assistant Chief of Hatcheries, and Matt Zeigler, the Sportfish Program Manager, discuss the state’s hatchery system and the work that goes on behind the scenes to raise fish for waters across the state. From egg collection and rearing to stocking and conservation, hatchery staff and fisheries biologists work year-round to support recreational fishing opportunities and native fish conservation in New Mexico.
Check out this episode on Soundcloud or your favorite podcast platform to learn more about how fish move from hatchery tanks to lakes and rivers, the science behind fisheries management and the challenges of operating hatcheries in an arid state. Whether you’re an angling enthusiast, a conservationist or curious about where these stocked fish come from, this episode offers an inside look at one of the many ways the New Mexico Department of Wildlife supports healthy fisheries and outdoor recreation statewide.
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