Elephant Butte Lake: Natividad Aguilera caught five largemouth bass using a spoon while fishing from the shore near Rattlesnake Island on Aug. 6.
Source: New Mexico Department of Wildlife
Photos: Courtesy NMDoW
Note: The New Mexico Department of Wildlife reported 270 lbs. (approximately 162 fish) of Channel Catfish, roughly 18″ in length, were added to Alumni Pond during the week ending September 4, 2026. Another 250 lbs. were added to the pond at Young Park.
Two other “Catch of the Week” reports were made:
- Young Pond: Hayes Sitch caught six bluegill, releasing four, and also reeled in a catfish using worms on Aug. 27.
- Bill Evans Lake: Eric Kennburg, age 9, from Silver City, caught more bluegill than he could count, six catfish and a 28-pound carp using an inline method feeder during a weekend camping trip that wrapped up Aug. 30.
Southwest New Mexico Fishing Report
- Bill Evans Lake: Fishing for bluegill and carp was good when using inline method feeders. Fishing for catfish was fair to good when using chicken liver, bluegill and inline method feeders.
- Bear Canyon Lake: Fishing conditions have been adversely affected in the aftermath of the Trout Fire.
- 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: Fishing for largemouth bass was fair to good when using spoons from the shore. 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 22.1 cfs.
- Gila Waters: Streamflow near Gila Hot Springs on Tuesday morning was 37.9 cfs.
- Quemado Lake: The lake is currently closed due to a harmful algae bloom.
- Rio Grande: Streamflow below Elephant Butte Lake was 0 cfs.
- Young Pond: Fishing for bass was fair to good when using micro 1/16-ounce jigs with micro soft plastics. Fishing for bluegill and sunfish was fair to good when using live red worms or wax worms on a slip float setup No. 8 hook. Fishing for catfish was good when using worms.
We received no reports for the following waterbodies over the past three weeks: Escondida Lake, Glenwood Pond, Lake Roberts, Percha Dam, Quemado Lake, Rancho Grande Ponds, Trees Lake, Snow Lake and Whitewater Creek.
Cooler temperatures, new opportunities ahead for New Mexico anglers this fall
By Darren Vaughan
Communications Director
The calendar has flipped to September, meaning we have just a few more weeks to enjoy summer’s last gasp.
Low water levels have made for a challenging year, but with temperatures dropping by as much as 10 degrees by the end of the month, there are plenty of opportunities out there for New Mexico anglers. Trout become more active as water temperatures drop, meaning you might find a better bite in deeper pools, shaded areas and other parts of streams where trout can get out of the current.
However, there is a catch (no pun intended): low water tends to also be clear water. Because of that clarity, fish can easily become spooked, so the stealthier you can be as you put your line in the water, the better.
Because trout become more active in cooler water, you’ll still want to avoid fishing in the heat of the day — in most of New Mexico, average September daytime temperatures are still in the 70s and 80s. If you’re willing to be early to rise, or to stick around until temperatures drop in the early evening, you can take advantage of cooler water.
You’ll also need to vary your strategy — different depths, different lures, different retrieve speeds, etc. As temperatures change, anglers and fish alike have to adapt to new conditions.
With this year’s low water levels, keep an eye on the condition of the fish you’re reeling in. Catch-and-release anglers should make sure to keep their catch in the water as much as possible and wet their hands before handling fish. Also, keep an eye on this Weekly Fishing and Stocking Report to see where you’re most likely to find success.
For many of us, the past several months of scorching temperatures have sent us scrambling for a cold drink and the comfort of air conditioning. The next few months might just be the perfect time to pick up your fishing rod, enjoy the fall color change and enjoy a day at one of New Mexico’s lakes, streams or rivers.
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