SantaFeToday.com Santa Fe’s Hometown News
NORTHEAST |
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NORTHEAST CATCH OF THE WEEK |
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Santa Cruz Resevoir: Cash (4) and Wynlee (9) caught their limit of trout by 11 a.m. on Wynlee’s birthday fishing trip. Happy birthday, Wynlee! |
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NORTHEAST FISHING REPORT |
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Charette Lakes: The most recent report was received May 21. At that time, fishing for trout was very good when using White PowerBait. Cimarron River: The most recent report was received May 21. At that time, fishing for trout was very good when using prince nymphs with active fishing along the river below Eagle Nest Lake. Conchas Lake: The most recent report was received May 21. At that time, fishing for white bass was very good using green lures. Fishing for largemouth and smallmouth bass was good using brown crawfish plastic jig. Eagle Nest Lake: Fishing for kokanee was fair to good when using crankbaits. Fishing for northern pike was fair to good when using crankbaits. For updated lake conditions, visit the park’s webpage or call the park office at 575-377-1594. Hopewell Lake: The most recent report was received May 21. At that time, fishing conditions for trout was very good when using jigs. Lake Alice: The most recent report was received May 28. At that time, fishing for trout was good when using floating PowerBait. For more information, visit Sugarite Canyon State Park’s webpage or call 575-445-5607. Lake Maloya: The most recent report was received May 28. At that time, fishing for trout was fair to good when using floating PowerBait. For more information, visit Sugarite Canyon State Park’s webpage or call 575-445-5607. Monastery Lake: Fishing for trout was good when using salmon eggs. Monastery Lake is part of the Department’s Open Gate Program. Please visit our website for more information about this property. Morphy Lake: The most recent report was received May 28. At that time, fishing for trout was very good when using PowerBait. Pecos River: Streamflow near Pecos on Tuesday morning was 28.8 cfs. The most recent report was received May 28. At that time, fishing for trout was very good when using wax worms and salmon eggs. Red River: Streamflow below the Red River Hatchery on Tuesday morning was 30.6 cfs. Rio Grande: Streamflow below the Taos Junction Bridge on Tuesday morning was 225 cfs. The most recent report was received May 28. At that time, fishing for trout and smallmouth bass was fair to good when using PowerBait. Rio Hondo: Streamflow near Valdez on Tuesday morning was 24.7 cfs. Rio Mora: Streamflow near Terrero on Tuesday morning was 4.78 cfs. Rio Pueblo: Streamflow near Peñasco on Tuesday morning was 5.12 cfs. Santa Cruz Reservoir: Fishing for trout was good when using Purple Garlic PowerBait and Yellow PowerBait. Ute Lake: The most recent report was received May 28. At that time, fishing for smallmouth bass was fair to good when using shad-colored Bass Pro Shops XPS Staredown jerkbaits. We received no reports for the following waterbodies over the past three weeks: Cabresto Lake, Clayton Lake, Cowles Ponds, Coyote Creek, Eagle Rock Lake, Gallinas River, Harris Pond, Los Pinos River, Maxwell Lake 13, Red River City Ponds, Rio Costilla, Shuree Ponds, Springer Lake, Storrie Lake and Stubblefield Lake. |
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NORTHWEST |
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NORTHWEST CATCH OF THE WEEK |
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Abiquiu Lake: Meki Gilcrease had good luck catching walleye trolling the inlet using Bandit Purple deep diver. |
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NORTHWEST FISHING REPORT |
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Abiquiu Lake: Fishing for walleye was fair to good when using Bandit purple deep divers. Fishing for smallmouth bass was slow to fair when using worms. Fishing for trout was good when using a pink Segmented Rapella lure. Contact the Abiquiu Lake Main Office at 505-685-4371for updated lake conditions and closure information. Animas River: Streamflow below Aztec Wednesday morning was 579 cfs. Bluewater Lake: Fishing for catfish was fair to good using cut bait. Visit Bluewater Lake State Park’s webpage or call 505-876-2391for more information. Cochiti Lake: Fishing for smallmouth bass was very good when using chicken livers and worms. Fishing for walleye was slow when using worms. Fishing for carp was good when using corn. El Vado Lake: The most recent report was received May 28. At that time, fishing for rainbow trout was very good when using worms, cowbells and spinners. The lake is open to boating and angling with a primitive boat ramp available at the Dam Day Use Area, as well as the main (concrete) boat ramp and courtesy dock at El Vado Lake State Park. For more information, visit El Vado Lake State Park’s webpage or call 575-588-7247. Fenton Lake: The most recent report was received May 14. At that time, fishing for trout was good using PowerBait and a spoon. For more information, visit Fenton Lake State Park’s webpage or call 575-829-3630.. Navajo Lake: Fishing for northern pike was good when using crappie slider. Rio Chama: Streamflow below El Vado Lake Tuesday morning was 103 cfs; streamflow below Abiquiu Lake Tuesday morning was 181 cfs. Please remember, from the river-crossing bridge on U.S. Highway 84 at Abiquiu upstream 7 miles to the base of Abiquiu Dam is special trout waters with a bag limit of only two trout. Rio Grande: Streamflow at Albuquerque Tuesday morning was 3.89 cfs. San Juan River: Streamflow near Archuleta Tuesday morning was 870 cfs. The most recent report was received May 28. At that time, fly-fishing in the quality waters section and the bait section was very good. Seven Springs Kids Pond: The most recent report was received May 28. At that time, fishing for trout was very good when using corn and PowerBait. Tingley Beach: The most recent report was received May 21. At that time, fishing for catfish was slow to fair using corn. We received no reports for the following waterbodies over the past three weeks: Albuquerque Area Drains, Brazos River, Canjilon Lakes, Jackson Lake, Jamez Waters, Laguna del Campo, Lagunitas Lakes, Lake Farmington, Liam Knight Pond, McGaffey Lake, Rio Cebolla, Riverside Park Pond (Aztec Pond #1), San Gregorio Lake, Trout Lakes and Tiger Park Reservoir.
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SOUTHWEST |
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SOUTHWEST CATCH OF THE WEEK |
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Elephant Butte: Landon caught his biggest catfish with shad. |
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SOUTHWEST FISHING REPORT |
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Bear Canyon Lake: Fishing conditions have been adversely affected in the aftermath of the Trout Fire. Bill Evans Lake: The most recent report was received May 14. At that time, fishing for largemouth bass was good using salmon eggs and Garlic PowerBait. Caballo Lake: The most recent report was received May 21. At that time, fishing for walleye was slow but white bass was fair when using colorful lures. Elephant Butte Lake: Fishing for white bass was good when using minnows and cut bait. Fishing for catfish was good when using cut shad. The South Monticello boat ramp is currently closed due to low water levels. The closure will be lifted when water levels rise and conditions allow. Escondida Lake: The most recent report was received May 21. At that time, fishing for catfish was very good when using shrimp. Gila River: Fishing for trout was good when using flies. Streamflow near Gila on Tuesday morning was 14 cfs. Gila Waters: Streamflow near Gila Hot Springs on Tuesday morning was 49.9 cfs. Glenwood Pond: Fishing for trout was good when using worms. Lake Roberts: The most recent report was received May 28. At that time, fishing for crappie was fair to good when using lures. Quemado Lake: Fishing for trout was good when using worms. Rio Grande: Streamflow below Elephant Butte Dam on Wednesday morning was 2100 cfs. We received no reports for the following waterbodies over the past three weeks: Percha Dam, Rancho Grande Ponds, Trees Lake, Snow Lake and Young Pond.
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SOUTHEAST |
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SOUTHEAST CATCH OF THE WEEK |
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Lake Van: Gabriel was catching mostly carp when this catfish hit. He had good luck when using red hot dogs. |
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SOUTHEAST FISHING REPORT |
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Berrendo Creek: Please visit the Open Gate webpage for more information on this property. Black River: Streamflow at Malaga Tuesday morning was 5.93 cfs. Bonito Lake: Fishing for trout was good when using salmon eggs and PowerBait and glitter PowerBait. Only fishing activities are permitted at Bonito Lake. Greene Acres Lake: The most recent report was received May 28. At that time, fishing for catfish was fair to good when using hot dogs. Fishing for bass was fair to good when using Tequila Sunrise Berkley Power Worms on jig heads. Grindstone Reservoir: Grindstone Reservoir is currently open for fishing. Due to changing wildfire impact closures, please see the Grindstone Reservoir Webpagebefore planning a visit. Lake Van: Fishing for catfish was good when using red hot dogs and garlic. Pecos River: Streamflow below Sumner Lake Tuesday morning was 73.7 cfs. The most recent report was received May 28. At that time, fishing for largemouth bass was very good when using swimbaits and topwater lures. Rio Ruidoso: Streamflow at Hollywood on Wednesday morning was 3.86 cfs. Fishing conditions will be adversely affected for an extended period of time due to recent flooding in the area. Sumner Lake: The most recent report was received May 28. At that time, fishing for walleye was slow to fair when using neon diver lures. We received no reports for the following waterbodies over the past three weeks: Alto Lake, Bataan Lake, Blue Hole Park Pond, Bosque Redondo Lake, Black River, Bottomless Lakes, Brantley Lake, Carlsbad Municipal Lake, Chaparral Park Lake, Corona Pond, Dennis Chavez Pond, Estancia Park Lake, Eunice Lake, Green Meadow Lake, Greene Acres Lake, Harry McAdams Park Pond, Jal Lake, Ned Houk Ponds, Oasis Park Lake, Perch Lake, Rio Bonito, Rock Lake Hatchery Kids’ Pond Santa Rosa Lake and Spring River Pond.
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TIPS, TRICKS AND STORIES |
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Challenge your fishing skills in New Mexico’s waters |
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By Melissa Garnett Southeast Area Public Information Specialist
The New Mexico Fishing Challenges were created to inspire anglers to get outside, explore new waters, and discover parts of the state you might not usually visit. These challenges capture the spirit of adventure and friendly competition by encouraging participants to broaden their fishing experiences.
New Mexico Department of Wildlife Fishing Challenges include:
Earn the title of New Mexico Master Angler:
The Master Angler Award Program challenges anglers to catch one or even all of the 26 qualifying fish species listed in the official program rules.
This is a length‑based challenge. To qualify, your catch must meet or exceed the minimum length for that species. Full species list and length requirements are available on our website under “Fish Challenges” and on the application form.
Important: To be eligible for the award, youmust provide a clear photo of your fish on a measuring board for length verification.
Whether you’re chasing your first qualifying catch or aiming for all 26, this is your chance to show off your skill and join a growing community of dedicated anglers across New Mexico.
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How Can I Participate? Joining the New Mexico Fishing Challenges is easy. Head out to your favorite fishing spot or explore somewhere new to start working towards your challenge goals. Anglers are required to have a valid New Mexico fishing license (for anglers 12 and older) and to fish public waters in search of particular species.
As each species required for the challenge is caught, take a photo! You’ll need to send in those photos as proof of what you caught. Once you’ve caught ’em all, send the photos, your Customer Identification Number (CIN) and list the location of each catch to dgf-fishingchallenges@dgf.nm.gov.
There is no time limit for completing the challenge. Some anglers finish within a single summer, while others take several years to achieve their goal. Our youngest participant so far was just six years old! People travel from across the United States to take part in our fishing challenges. Last year alone, anglers from 13 different states completed the New Mexico Trout Challenge.
What Are the Rewards for Finishing a Challenge?
Participants who complete a challenge will receive an exclusive challenge coin and a personalized certificate to celebrate their achievement.
Get out there, see what you can discover in New Mexico’s beautiful waters, and happy fishing!
Please note that all NMDOW fishing rules apply. |
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Check the Fishing Conditionsand Trip Planner! |
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The Department’s Fishing Conditions and Trip Planner was created using data from past Weekly Fishing Reports to develop graphs depicting fishing conditions for several species and waterbodies throughout the year. Each graph represents the average fishing conditions for each week of the year over the four years. |
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The Department has also developed an interactive Fishing Waters Map with a wealth of information on fishing locations in New Mexico. It displays hundreds of fishing access points with information on available fish species, facilities, accessibility, boat ramps and general regulations.
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