Fishing Report: How to Measure a Fish

Young Pond: Chad Lozano spent his day off fishing and caught this fine channel catfish with live bait in recent weeks.

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

ATTENTION: Several lakes throughout New Mexico are under Harmful Algae Bloom (HAB) watches or warnings. Be sure to visit the New Mexico Environment Department’s HAB Advisory Map for the latest conditions and advisories before going out.

Southwest New Mexico Fishing Report

• Bill Evans Lake: The most recent report was received Sept. 3. At that time, 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: The most recent report was received Sept. 3. At that time, 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 33.4 cfs.
• Gila Waters: Streamflow near Gila Hot Springs on Tuesday morning was 37.9 cfs.
• Rio Grande: Streamflow below Elephant Butte Lake was 0 cfs.
• Young Pond: The most recent report was received Sept. 3. At that time, 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.

The Department of Wildlife 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.

How to Measure a Fish

By: Melissa Garnett, M.S.

Southeast Area Public Information Specialist

There are many reasons an angler may need or want to measure their catch. In case you are new to measuring fish or need a refresher, see the steps below.

Whether you are applying for a Master Angler Award or checking lengths for state records, the standardized method for fish measuring will ensure an accurate report.

• What you’ll need:
  • A tape measure or length board.
  • If you don’t have a length board, you can easily fashion one by attaching a measuring tape to a board.

Once you have a way to measure your catch, place the fish on a flat surface with its nose to your left, flush with the ‘0’ on the length board/tape measure. You will measure the total length by slightly pinching the fish’s caudal (tail) fin and reading the longest edge of the fin.