Rising water levels have allowed for the Marina del Sur boat ramp to reopen at Elephant Butte Lake State Park, though the South Monticello and Rock Canyon boat ramps remain closed. (Photo, left, courtesy New Mexico State Parks)
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
- Bear Canyon Lake: Closed to the public Monday–Thursday. The lake will remain open Friday-Sunday. Regular use projected to return in January 2027.
- Bill Evans Lake: The most recent report was received Oct. 8. At that time, fishing for catfish was fair to good when using cutbait.
- Caballo Lake: With recent flooding along the Rio Grande, 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 Marina del Sur boat ramp is now open. Park staff reminds visitors to remain cautious of lake debris and shallow areas due to recent changes in water levels. The Rock Canyon and South Monticello boat ramps are closed. For more information, visit the Elephant Butte State Park webpage or call 575-744-5923.
- Escondida Lake: Fishing for catfish was good when using chicken liver and fair when using worms. Fishing for bluegill was fair when using worms. Fishing for carp was fair when using chicken liver.
- Gila River: Streamflow near Gila on Tuesday morning was 238 cfs.
- Gila Waters: Streamflow near Gila Hot Springs on Tuesday morning was 201 cfs.
- Quemado Lake: The lake is currently under a Harmful Algae Bloom Danger Advisory.
- Rio Grande: Streamflow below Elephant Butte Lake was 3.87 cfs.
Department of Wildlife received no reports for the following waterbodies over the past three weeks: Glenwood Pond, Lake Roberts, Percha Dam, Rancho Grande Ponds, Trees Lake, Snow Lake, Whitewater Creek and Young Pond.
When the fish stop biting: Changing up your approach
By Darren Vaughan
Communications Director
It happens to the best of us.
Just when you think you’ve found the perfect spot, your favorite bait or lure and put your line in the water: nothing. Not a single bite. You’re doing the same thing you’ve done hundreds of times, and it has never failed you before — so, why now?
Maybe it’s time to alter your approach a bit. There’s no need to reinvent the wheel, but just a few tiny changes can make a huge difference.
- Switch up your presentation. It might not be the lure that’s not working. Sometimes, if you slow down your retrieve speed, pause occasionally or vary your speed, it will get a fish’s attention.
- Go bigger or smaller. If that doesn’t work, changing up the size of your lure can help. A larger lure can attract fish with bigger appetites, while some fish may be drawn more to a smaller lure. You can also try different colors to account for changing water clarity or light conditions.
- Fish at a different depth. There’s a good reason they call it “fishing” and not “catching.” Fish tend to be fairly unpredictable, which means they won’t always be at the depth you expect them to be. If surface fishing isn’t working, go deep. If you’re bottom fishing, come up a little bit. And, again, changing your lure, retrieve speed or weight can be helpful.
- Move to a new spot. Maybe that hot spot isn’t so hot anymore. Instead, perhaps the fish have moved on to a place where conditions are more suitable for them, such as near a submerged structure, along drop-offs, in a deeper pool or where faster water meets a slower current. If cast after cast is proving unproductive, it may be time to find a new location.
- Pay attention to conditions. Wind, cloud cover, water temperature and changing water levels can all influence fish behavior. Take a moment to observe what’s happening around you, and be prepared to change your approach accordingly.
The most important thing of all: be patient and don’t be afraid to experiment! Change one thing at a time and see what works for you. And, remember that even if you don’t catch anything, every fishing trip is an opportunity for a learning experience and a chance to sharpen your skills.
When that bite comes, don’t forget what you did to get it. It might be just what you need for a future filled with successful fishing trips.
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