ALBUQUERQUE, June 19, 2025
As summer officially kicks off, fishing conditions across New Mexico’s lakes and streams are looking promising, according to the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish.
Catch of the Day
Anglers are reporting good fishing conditions across the state, with specific tips for various locations.
- Catfish are biting at Grindstone Reservoir and around Truth or Consequences.
- Trout fishing is good at Bonito Lake, along the Pecos River, and at Fenton Lake.
- Walleye are being caught at Santa Rosa Lake and Abiquiu Lake.
What’s the fishing forecast for New Mexico? The state’s waters are teeming with opportunities, from catching catfish with silver-and-blue Kastmasters at Grindstone Reservoir in Lincoln County to reeling in trout using PowerBait at Bonito Lake.
Did you know?-New Mexico is home to a diverse range of fish species, including native trout, catfish, bass, and walleye, offering anglers a variety of fishing experiences throughout the year.
Fishing Hotspots
at Grindstone Reservoir in Lincoln County, anglers are having remarkable luck catching catfish using silver-and-blue Kastmasters.Meanwhile, at Bonito Lake, trout fishing is particularly good with PowerBait.
For those in eastern and southeastern New Mexico, largemouth bass fishing is fair using worms at Carlsbad Municipal Lake. santa Rosa Lake is seeing good walleye catches with curly-tailed grubs.
Around Truth or Consequences, the catfish and carp are biting incredibly well when using worms. At Elephant Butte Lake, white bass fishing is very good with topwater lures, shad-pattern jerkbaits, and grubs.
In northern New Mexico along the Pecos River, the streamflow was 83.8 cubic feet per second (cfs). Trout fishing is good using olive green Wooly Buggers and salmon eggs. At Fenton Lake, trout fishing is slow to fair with black and gold Joe’s Flies but very good with Tan PowerBait and salmon eggs.
At Abiquiu Lake, walleye, bass, and crappie are biting well when using chartreuse curly-tail grubs on white jig heads, small white rubber worms, and white-and-chartreuse rubber worms. At Cochiti Lake, northern pike are biting with white swimbaits and crankbaits. Fishing for walleye, smallmouth bass, and white bass is very good with crankbaits.
Along the Rio Chama, the streamflow below El Vado on June 18 was 108 cfs. The streamflow below Abiquiu lake was 293 cfs on June 18.Fishing for trout was very good when using worms below El vado Lake.
Reader question:-What are your favorite fishing spots in New Mexico, and what techniques do you find most effective for catching fish in these locations?
Game and Fish Supports Foster Families
On June 14, the Department of Game and Fish partnered with the New Mexico Child First Network (NMCFN) to host the annual Foster Family Picnic and Fishing Event at Tingley Beach in Albuquerque. This event provides a free day of fishing and food for New Mexico foster parents and their children.
For the past three years, the event has offered opportunities for New Mexico foster families. Free fishing licenses from the Department were distributed, with eighty given out during this event. Game and Fish personnel were also on hand at a bait station to teach youngsters the basics of casting, untangling lines, and tying fishing hooks.
This fishing report has been generated from the best information available from area officers and anglers. Conditions may differ after the report is compiled due to stream, lake, and weather changes.
Beyond the Hook: Unpacking New Mexico’s Fishing Culture
Building on the previous report that highlighted the Department of game and Fish’s efforts and showcased prime locales, let’s explore the broader picture.what’s behind the success of New Mexico’s fishing scene?
New Mexico’s fishing isn’t just about the catch; it’s about fostering a vibrant outdoor culture. The state’s lakes,rivers,and reservoirs,like those mentioned in the report,provide opportunities for recreation,relaxation,and connection with nature. The Department of Game and Fish plays a vital role in managing these resources responsibly, ensuring their health and accessibility for current and future generations.
The role of Conservation
Conservation significantly contributes to the thriving fishing environment. Consider the streamflows mentioned in the report, such as those along the Pecos River and the Rio Chama. These flows are meticulously monitored and managed to sustain aquatic ecosystems. This attention to detail ensures the fish populations flourish. The Department of Game and Fish’s work extends to habitat restoration, stocking programs, and research, all designed to enhance angling experiences.
Additionally, the department regulates fishing through licensing, bag limits, and seasonal closures. These measures manage resources efficiently and help maintain a balance between fishing, conservation, and ecological health. Maintaining the proper balance between managing resources and providing opportunities for recreational anglers is crucial to the success of these regulations.
The angler’s Role
Anglers also play a notable role in conservation. Practicing ethical fishing, such as catch-and-release, contributes to sustainable fishing practices. Anglers should also take care to preserve the environment. Anglers contribute to the fishing environment by reporting suspicious activities to authorities and following guidelines.
education is also crucial. Participants in fishing-related events learn the basics and reinforce the value of resource conservation. Understanding the importance of environmental stewardship is vital to a sustainable fishing community.
Community and Economic Impact
Fishing transcends recreation, as noted in the report, it also strengthens the local economy. The purchasing of licenses, equipment, and accommodations supports local communities. Events like the Foster Family Picnic and Fishing Event highlight the importance of fishing with community members.
What makes new Mexico a great place to fish? New Mexico offers ideal locations to fish, and supports programs such as the ones we’ve described here.
How can anglers contribute to sustainable fishing? Anglers can practice catch-and-release so future generations can enjoy the sport.
Looking Ahead
New Mexico’s fishing future looks promising.Continued collaboration between the Department of game and Fish,anglers,and local communities will be critical. Balancing recreational activities with the needs of aquatic ecosystems will be key to sustaining this vital part of New Mexico’s natural and recreational landscape.
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