Lake Roberts: Alex Sanchez Jr. caught a largemouth bass using a crawfish and bobber on July 26.
Source: N.M. Department of Wildlife
Photos: 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: The most recent report was received on July 16. At that time, fishing for largemouth bass was very good.
- Caballo Lake: With recent water releases from Elephant Butte and Caballo lakes, water levels are changing across the lake; boaters should exercise caution in low-water areas. For more information, visit the Caballo Lake State Park webpage or call 575-743-3942.
- Elephant Butte Lake: The most recent report was received on July 16. At that time, fishing was fair to good for largemouth bass and white bass when using white shad. Due to historically low water levels, vessel launching at the Marina del Sur boat ramp is hazardous because of sediment and debris on the ramp. The South Monticello and Rock Canyon boat ramps remain closed due to low water levels. For more information, visit the Elephant Butte State Park webpage or call 575-744-5923.
- Gila River: Streamflow near Gila on Tuesday morning was 35.3 cfs.
- Gila Waters: Streamflow near Gila Hot Springs on Tuesday morning was 43.2 cfs.
- Lake Roberts: Fishing for largemouth bass was slow to fair when using live crawfish.
- Quemado Lake: Gila National Forest has issued a public health and safety closure of the lake and surrounding area due to a harmful algal bloom. Public access to the parking lot, boat dock, dam area, Quemado Lake Fishing Trail #144, Lakeshore Access Trail #1441, Juniper-Lake Access Trail #1442 and Cove-Lake Access Trail #1443 is prohibited. For more information, visit the New Mexico Environment Department’s Harmful Algal Blooms webpage.
- Rio Grande: Streamflow below Elephant Butte Lake was 0 cfs.
- Young Pond: The most recent report was received on July 16. At that time, fishing for catfish was good when using hot dogs.
Department of Wildlife received no reports for the following waterbodies over the past three weeks: Escondida Lake, Glenwood Pond, Percha Dam, Rancho Grande Ponds, Trees Lake, Snow Lake and Whitewater Creek.
Take advantage of summer’s last gasp
By Darren Vaughan, Communications Director
The calendar has turned from July to August, marking the end of summer vacation for school-age kids across New Mexico.
But before the youngsters trade their rods and reels for pencils and paper, there’s still time for one more unforgettable fishing adventure.
Tiger muskie offer exactly that. These toothy hybrids of muskies and northern pike can weigh more than 30 pounds; the New Mexico state record is 38 pounds, 2 ounces, making them one of the most sought-after sport fish in the Land of Enchantment.
Originally, tiger muskie were stocked into Bluewater and Quemado lakes in 2003 to bring the white sucker and goldfish populations under control. More than two decades later, they have accomplished that goal while earning a reputation for explosive strikes and hard-fighting battles that keep anglers coming back.
Bringing in one of these monsters requires the right gear. You’ll need a rubber, knotless landing net and needle-nosed pliers, as well as a 30- to 50-pound-test leader. Large bucktail spinners, bass spinnerbaits, swimbaits and glide baits are popular for catching tiger muskie.
Also, pay attention to the bag limit! You can only harvest one tiger muskie longer than 40 inches per day, and you can only possess two at a time. Keep a tape measure handy so you can quickly check your catch.
More information on gear requirements and release techniques is available on the Department’s website.
So, before you hit the books this fall, head out to Bluewater Lake and take your shot at one of New Mexico’s biggest catches! Over the next few months, students will be learning the three Rs: eading, ’riting and ’rithmetic, but there’s still time to squeeze in a fourth: reeling.
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