Featured Image: Water levels are changing across Caballo Lake, so boaters should use caution in low-water areas. Boating conditions are currently listed as fair. (Photo courtesy New Mexico State Parks)
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
- Bear Canyon Lake: Closed to the public Monday–Thursday. The lake will remain open Friday-Sunday. Regular use is projected to return in January 2027.
- Bill Evans Lake: The most recent report was received Oct. 22. At that time, fishing for largemouth bass was good when using live baits (fathead minnows).
- 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 most recent report was received Oct. 22. At that time, fishing for catfish was slow to fair when usting cut shad. 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: The most recent report was received Oct. 15. At that time, 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 309 cfs.
- Gila Waters: Streamflow near Gila Hot Springs on Tuesday morning was 163 cfs.
- Lake Roberts: The most recent report was received Oct. 22. At that time, fishing for trout was fair to good when using PowerBait.
- Quemado Lake: The lake has reopened after recent rains cooled lake temperatures and diluted the amount of cyanobacteria in the water. The lake remains under a Harmful Algae Bloom Danger Advisory.
- Rio Grande: Streamflow below Elephant Butte Lake was 0.43 cfs.
We received no reports for the following waterbodies over the past three weeks: Glenwood Pond, Percha Dam, Rancho Grande Ponds, Trees Lake, Snow Lake, Whitewater Creek and Young Pond.
Receive the latest stories in your inbox every day — FREE!
Treat yourself to better fishing this Halloween
By Darren Vaughan
Communications Director
’Tis the season for ghouls, goblins and — if you’re lucky — good fishing in New Mexico.
Fall is also the season for cooler mornings, changing colors and evolving fishing conditions. The trout that were biting all summer suddenly have different plans. Your favorite bass spot? It’s now almost as quiet as a haunted house. But there are some tricks of the trade to help you find that elusive bite.
Cooler waters provide a hint
New Mexico’s diverse landscapes mean that water temperatures across the state don’t all cool at the same rate. Water temps may have plummeted in higher-elevation lakes and streams, while the reservoirs in southern New Mexico might still be relatively warm. Given these changes, fish may change their feeding habits — both when and where. Make sure to keep an eye on the conditions before you go out and be prepared to change your plans to adjust to the water conditions.
Time to come up with some new tricks
Because of changing conditions, the tricks that worked well during the summer might not work as well now. Depending on the regulations in the stream you’re fishing, natural-looking flies or small lures can be a good place to start. Look for places where trout may be hiding from strong currents, such as behind rocks. If you’re fishing at a lake, experiment with different depths — the fish might not be where you were able to find them a few months ago.
Follow the baitfish
Trick-or-treaters will be looking for the house giving away full-size candy bars this weekend. Big fish? They’re looking for an all-you-can-eat buffet of smaller fish, which they’re likely to find around places like rocky shorelines and underwater structures within lakes and reservoirs. Whatever you’re trying to catch, the direction of your cast and the depth of your line can make all the difference.
Do your research
There are several resources to help you before you head out on your next fishing adventure. The Department has an archive of previous fishing and stocking reports on its website, as well as its Fishing Conditions and Trip Planner page, which is filled with historical data from waterbodies across the state. Recent stocking reports show that thousands of pounds of catchable trout have been stocked in waters from Aztec to Deming and many points in between over the past month.
In addition, always check current water and weather conditions. Take notes on what you’re reeling in and where to help you on future excursions. Perhaps most importantly, remember that the weather in New Mexico can change quickly, so be prepared for anything. Bring extra layers, keep an eye on the forecast and make sure to get off the water before it gets dark so you can make it back safely.
Good luck out there, and may your next fishing trip bring lots of treats!
Got a Fish Story You Want to Share?
Tell us all about it! Just visit the Department of Wildlife's Weekly Fishing and Stocking Report website and use the iFish form at the bottom of the page. Submissions received by noon Monday will be considered for inclusion in that week's fishing report. Fish weights and measurements are provided by the angler and displayed here as received. Photos containing sensitive material may be altered or excluded at the Department's discretion.
This fishing report has been generated from the best information available at the time of publication.
You must be logged in to post a comment.