This fishing report has been generated from the best information available from officers and anglers. Conditions encountered after the report is compiled may differ, however, as stream, lake and weather conditions alter fish and angler activities.

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Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | June | July | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec

NM Big Game Hunting Application Deadline:

February 6. This is the deadline to apply for bear, population reduction, oryx and turkey hunts. These are postmark deadlines for the paper Form 2008. The applications must be received no later than five working days following the postmark deadline. Online applications must be submitted before 5:00PM of the application deadline dates. Check out the Hunting Information Page of NMDGF website for full details.

Bataan Memorial Death March:

March 27 - 30 at the White Sands MissileTest Range. Join some 4,000 marchers from across the nation to honor the courage and tenacity of the US solders who were take prisoners in WW II in the Philippines. Among the tens of thousands prisoners were members of the 200th Coast Artillery, New Mexico National Guard. This is a 26.2 mile march through desert trails and washes. There is a shorter 15 mile march for those not up to 26 mile. In any event this is not for those who are out of shape. Check out www.bataamarch.com for more information.

NM Big Game Hunting Application Deadline:

April 9. This is the deadline to apply for deer, elk, antelope, bighorn sheep, ibex and javelina hunts. This is the postmark deadline for the paper Form 2008. Applications must be received no later than five working days following the postmark deadline. Online applications must be submitted before 5:00PM of the application deadline date. Check out the Hunting Information Page of NMDGF website for full details.

High Plains Lesser Prairie-Chicken Festival:

April 11-13 at the Milnesand Prairie Preserve. Each spring, male prairie-chickens congregate on traditional breeding grounds, or leks, to display and make vocal sounds (“booming”) to defend their territory and attract females for mating. Males establish their territory and court females by displaying bright yellow eye combs, inflating red air sacs, and by flutter jumping, cackling, and foot stopping. To witness this fantastic mating ritual is an experience of a lifetime. There is a limit of 100 people and the registration fee includes 5 meals and all field trips. This is Awesome. Application Deadline is March 15 Here is the link for full information

Wind Festival :

May 3 - 4 at the Wildlife West Nature Park. Check it out for Kite flying and family fun. Check out the 2008 schedule of events for times and detail.

Kids Fishing Clinic:

May 3 at Brantley Lake. Kids will learn various fishing skills at educational stations set-up with the help of volunteers. The kids have the opportunity to compete in a casting contest, eat lunch and then go fishing. Pre-registration is required for this class by calling 575-457-2384.

Clayton Lake Trout Derby:

May 3 - 4 at Clayton Lake. Annual trout derby features hot dog eating contests, sand digs for kids, numerous door prizes. Contact Charles Jordan at 575-374-8808 for the full scoop.

Bass Anglers May Tournament:

May 7 at Elephant Butte Lake. Contact Salvador Gonzalez at 575-744-5421 for full information.

Kids Fishing Derby :

May 10 at Cimarron Canyon. Kids participating in this annual fishing derby will receive a goody bag and free snacks. Contact Daniel Gurule 575-377-6271 for full information.

Boating Safety Class:

May 10 at Elephant Butte Lake. Contact Chris Bolen at 575-744-5998 for full information and registration.

Spring cottonwood Festival:

May 10 - 11 at Rio Grande Nature Center. This two-day annual event, formerly known as Herbfest, will include wildflower, herb and native plant sales; live birds displays with Wildlife Rescue, Inc. of NM; guided bird and nature walks. For more information call 505-344-7240.

Boating Safety Class:

May 16 at Elephant Butte Lake. Contact Salvador Gonzalez at 575-744-5421 for full information and registration.

Team Bass Fishing Tournament:

May 17 at Elephant Butte Lake. Sponsored by American Bass. A competitive bass fishing event that is open to all American Bass members. $145 per team Contact: Bobby Brewster, NM Region Director at 575-744-5944. Click the link for the bass fishing schedule.

Sandia Mountain Volleyball Classic :

May 17 - 18 in Albuquerque, NM. The second year of this annual event. Free admission to for spectators. Cash and prizes for participants. For full details check out SandiaVollyball.Blogspot.com.

Bluegrass Festival:

May 23 - 24 at Rockhound. Five bands, open mic sessions and food vendors. Check out www.FriendsOfRockhound.org for full details

Sugarite Fishing Derby:

May 31 - June 8 at Sugarite Canyon. Anglers will try to catch tagged fish for up to $1,000 cash and prizes. Daily door prizes will be given out. Kids fishing derby is Saturday June 7, from 8 a.m. to noon, on Free Fishing Day. Registration for the weeklong event will $10.00. Call 575-445-5607 for full information.

Sugarite Fishing Derby:

May 31 - June 8 at Sugarite Canyon. Anglers will try to catch tagged fish for up to $1,000 cash and prizes. Daily door prizes will be given out. Kids fishing derby is Saturday June 7, from 8 a.m. to noon, on Free Fishing Day. Registration for the weeklong event will $10.00. Call 575-445-5607 for full information.

Boating Safety Class:

June 7 at Storrie Lake. Contact Ronald Carter at 505-425-7278 for full information and registration.

Enchanted Evenings:

June 7 at Bottomless Lake. Take a close look at what is swimming in our lakes. Mark Madsen with the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish will present several different types of aquatic invertebrates found in the lakes.Contact Steve Patterson at 575-624-6058 for full information.

Bass Anglers June Tournament:

June 11 at Elephant Butte Lake. Contact Salvador Gonzalez at 575-744-5421 for full information.

Boating Safety Class:

June 14 at Elephant Butte Lake. Contact Salvador Gonzalez at 575-744-5421 for full information and registration.

Chili Cook Off:

June 14 at Elephant Butte Lake. Contact Salvador Gonzalez at 575-744-5421 for full information and registration.

Youth Fishing Clinic

June 14 at Santa Rosa Lake State Park will host the annual youth fishing clinic. Novice anglers learn various skills including casting, knot tying, bait selection and fish anatomy, then test their newly-acquired skills by angling for catfish provided by the Department of Game and Fish. Lunch will be provided. There is no fee for the event but regular park entrance fees apply. Contact Shank Cribbs or Bill Velasquez at 575-472-3110 for complete information.

Bass Junior Open

June 14 - 15 at Elephant Butte Lake. Contact Salvador Gonzalez at 575-744-5421 for full information and registration.

Windsurfing Regatta:

June 14 - 15 at Storrie Lake. The New Mexico Windsurfing Association will provide lessons for those wanting to learn how to windsurf. Contact Stephen Coca at 505-425-7278 for full information

Bandelier Daycamp for Kids :

June 18 - 21 and June 25 - 28 at the Bandelier National Monument. Due to high demand and limited space, a child can only attend Daycamp once in their life. Daycamp meets in front of the visitor center and runs from 8:30 AM to 12 Noon Wednesday through Saturday. Family and friends of the daycamper are invited to join the activities on Saturday.  Daycamp is free but you must reserve your spot early.

Roadrunner Gem and Mineral Show:

June 20 - 21 at Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. This show features the exhibit and sale of minerals, fossils, and jewelry. There is no fee for this show. Contact Kathryn Jones at 575-887-5516 for full information

Team Bass Fishing Tournament:

June 21 at Elephant Butte Lake. Sponsored by American Bass. A competitive bass fishing event that is open to all American Bass members. $145 per team Contact: Bobby Brewster, NM Region Director at 575-744-5944. Click the link for the bass fishing schedule.

Boating Safety Class:

June 27 at Elephant Butte Lake. Contact Salvador Gonzalez at 575-744-5421 for full information and registration.

Sante Fe Opera :

June 27 - August 23 in Sante Fe NM. Scheduled performances of "The Marriage of Figaro," "Falstaff," "Billy Budd," "Radamisto", and the American premier of "Adriana Mater." For full information on the 2008 Season visit www.santafeopera.org.

Roswell UFO Festival :

July 3-7 in Roswell NM. Visit the official site at for a full schedule of events.

Bandelier Daycamp for Kids :

July 9 - 12 at the Bandelier National Monument. Due to high demand and limited space, a child can only attend Daycamp once in their life. Daycamp meets in front of the visitor center and runs from 8:30 AM to 12 Noon Wednesday through Saturday. Family and friends of the daycamper are invited to join the activities on Saturday.  Daycamp is free but you must reserve your spot early.

Bear Fair :

July 12th at the Wildlife West Nature Park. All things BEAR related. Check out the 2008 schedule of events for times and detail.

Team Bass Fishing Tournament:

July 12 at Elephant Butte Lake. Sponsored by American Bass. A competitive bass fishing event that is open to all American Bass members. $145 per team Contact: Bobby Brewster, NM Region Director at 575-744-5944. Click the link for the bass fishing schedule.

Bat Flight Breakfast:

July 19, at Carlsbad Caverns. The 51st annual Bat Flight Breakfast is 5 to 7 a.m. Park employees sponsor this breakfast once each year. A reasonable fee is charged for the breakfast ($7 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under). The self-guided tour fees are waived for all Bat Flight Breakfast participants. “We hope visitors will attend the prior evening’s bat flight program, wake up to a good breakfast, and then watch the bats fly back into the cave!” said breakfast coordinator Avelina Childress.

Team Bass Fishing Tournament:

August 9 at Elephant Butte Lake. Sponsored by American Bass. A competitive bass fishing event that is open to all American Bass members. $145 per team Contact: Bobby Brewster, NM Region Director at 575-744-5944. Click the link for the bass fishing schedule.

Harvest Festival :

August 23 & 24. Food tasting, blacksmith demonstration and truck and tractor displays and many fun activities for the whole family. Check out the 2008 schedule of events for times and detail.

Fall Fiesta :

September 28, at the Bandelier National Monument. Fall Fiesta includes craft demonstrations, traditional dances, bread-baking in the park horno, wildlife demonstrations, and lots and lots of fun. No special reservations required.

Abiquiu Lake:

Fishing was very good this past weekend for anglers using crank baits in 8-to-12 feet of water for smallmouth bass. Most of the smallmouth action was reported by anglers fishing the south end of the lake. Several walleye and brown trout were also taken by anglers trolling and casting crank baits. The water was clearing some and the surface temp ranged from 53-to-55 degrees.

Albuquerque Area Drains:

Fishing on the Belen Drain was fair for anglers using worms, night crawlers and liver for catfish and carp. We had no reports on other species or from the other area drains.

Bluewater Lake:

Trout fishing was fair-to-good for anglers using spinners, power bait, corn and salmon eggs. Fishing for tiger musky was fair using swim baits, spinners and jerk baits. We had no reports on other species.

Canjilon Lake:

We had no reports from anglers this week.

Chama River:

Monday morning water flows below El Vado and Abiquiu were 1,740cfs and 1,690cfs respectively. Trout fishing was slow due to the high water conditions.

Cochiti Lake:

Fishing was slow-to-fair for anglers using spinner baits, chatter baits, jigs and sweet beavers for largemouth and smallmouth bass. A few white bass were taken by anglers using crank baits and jigs. We had no reports on other species.

El Vado Lake:

Fishing for rainbow trout was very good for anglers trolling and casting orange Cripplures, Z Rays, Panther Martins and Rooster Tails. A few fish were also taken by anglers using power bait. Most of the action was reported by anglers fishing near the dam.

Farmington Lake:

We had no reports from anglers this week.

Fenton Lake:

Trout fishing was fair for anglers using black Pistol Petes, Kastmasters, salmon eggs, power bait, corn and night crawlers.

Heron Lake:

Fishing for lake trout was slow this week with only a few small fish taken by anglers using jigs tipped with cut bait. Fishing for rainbow trout from the bank was good for anglers fishing near the dam and using power bait, salmon eggs and corn. We had no reports on kokanee.

Jemez Waters :

Water flow on the Jemez as of Monday morning was 231cfs near Jemez Springs. Trout fishing on the Jemez, the San Antonio and the Rio Las Vacas was good for anglers using small gold and silver spinners, egg patterns, copper john barrs, worms, salmon eggs, prince nymphs and small stone flies.

Laguna del Campo:

(Burns Canyon Lake) Trout fishing was very good this past week for anglers using salmon eggs, power bait and cheese. A few fish were also taken by anglers using spinners and Pistol Petes.

Manzano Lake:

We had no reports from anglers this week but the lake was recently stocked with rainbow trout.

McGaffey Lake:

Trout fishing was slow-to-fair for anglers using power bait, spinners, spoons and worms. A few catfish were taken by anglers using worms and liver.

Navajo lake :

Fishing was fair-to-good using minnows, jigs and tubes for crappie. The best action was reported by anglers fishing the Pine arm. There were also several caught by anglers fishing in La Jara, Bancos and Francis canyons. Fishing for largemouth and smallmouth bass was fair-to-good for anglers using jerk baits, tubes, crank baits and top water lures. Fishing for northern pike was good using crank baits, jerk baits and spinner baits. There were several pike taken by anglers fishing the San Juan arm and Francis Canyon and along the main lake shore line. Fishing for trout and kokanee was slow but there were a few taken by anglers trolling deep on the main lake.

Ramah Lake:

Fishing was slow. The water was high and very murky.

San Juan :

Water flow below Navajo Lake as of Monday morning was at 3,080cfs. From there, the flow will be gradually increased to 5,000cfs by May 28th where it will stay until June 19. The flow will then be reduced over the next several days to 500cfs. Trout fishing through the Quality Waters was fair for anglers using small hair jigs, leeches, bead head pheasant tails, red annelids, wooly buggers and San Juan worms. Fishing in the bait waters was fair using jerk baits, wooly buggers, spinners, garlic cheese and night crawlers.

Santa Cruz Lake:

We had no reports from anglers this week.

Seven Springs Brood Pond:

It’s just for kids under 12 and the trout fishing was very good again this past week. Best bait was power bait.

Tingley Beach :

Fishing at the Youth and Central Ponds has been good for bluegill, catfish and bass. Anglers are doing best using worms for the bluegill, crank baits, tubes and spinners for the bass and dough bait and power bait for the catfish. At the Catch and Release Pond trout fishing was good early and late in the day for anglers using parachute adams, blue winged olives, tricos and egg patterns.

Bear Canyon Lake:

Fishing for trout and bluegill was good for anglers using power bait and worms. Fishing for catfish was very good for anglers using night crawlers, dough bait and liver.

Bill Evans Lake :

Fishing was slow for all species.

Burn Lake:

Fishing was slow.

Caballo Lake:

Fishing was slow-to-fair using crank baits, minnows and grubs for walleye and white bass at the north end of the lake. Anglers fishing near the dam reported catching a few crappie and white bass. They were using minnows, tubes and jigs. We had no reports on other species. The water was quite murky.

Elephant Butte:

Fishing for white bass was fair-to-good for anglers fishing near the Rock Canyon marina, Marina del Sur and near McRae Canyon. Best baits were grubs, crank baits, spinners, tubes and top water lures. Fishing for largemouth bass and smallmouth bass was fair for anglers using jigs, lizards, crank baits, chatter baits, top water lures, spinner baits and jerk baits. Fishing for walleye was slow-to-fair using crank baits, minnows, grubs and spinner/worm combinations. A few crappie were taken by anglers using grubs and minnows. Fishing for catfish was good using cut bait, night crawlers, shrimp and liver. A few striped bass were taken by anglers using live bait. We had no reports on other species.

Glenwood Pond:

We had no reports from anglers this week.

Escondida Lake:

Fishing was fair using worms, liver and power bait for catfish.

Gila River:

Water flow on the Gila as of this past Monday was 99cfs. We had no reports from anglers this week.

Lake Roberts:

Trout fishing was fair-to-good using power bait, salmon eggs, spinners, spoons and worms.

Percha Dam :

Fishing was fair using grubs and minnows for white bass. A few catfish were taken by anglers using night crawlers and liver. We had no reports on other species.

Quemado Lake :

Fishing was fair using power bait, salmon eggs, Pistol Petes and spinners for trout.

Rio Grande:

Water flow below Elephant Butte on Monday was 1,600cfs. Fishing on the river below Williamsburg and below Caballo was slow-to-fair using minnows, white grubs and crank baits for white bass. We had no reports on other species.

Snow Lake:

We had no reports from anglers this week.

Bataan Lake:

Fishing was fair using worms and liver for catfish. We had no reports on other species.

Bonito Lake:

Effective May 1, the lake was closed due to high fire danger in the area. Look for updates from the Lincoln National Forest for additional information.

Bosque Redondo:

Fishing was slow-to-fair for anglers using night crawlers for catfish. A few largemouth bass were taken by anglers using spoons and night crawlers. We had no reports on other species.

Bottomless Lakes:

Fishing was slow. Stocking has been suspended due to a golden algae bloom.

Brantley Lake :

Anglers are to practice catch and release for all fish here as high levels of DDT were found in several fish.

Carlsbad Municipal Lake:

We had no reports from anglers this week.

Greene Acres Lake:

We had no reports from anglers this week.

Grindstone Reservior:

Trout fishing was fair for anglers using corn, power bait, garlic cheese, salmon eggs, spinners, spoons and Pistol Petes.

Jal Lake:

We had no reports from anglers this week.

Lake Van :

Fishing was slow-to-fair for angler using worms and night crawlers for catfish. We had no reports on other species.

Manzano Lake:

We had no reports from anglers this week.

Pecos River :

Water flow on Monday below Sumner Lake was 100cfs. Fishing was fair using night crawlers and liver for catfish. We had no reports on other species.

Perch Lake:

We had no reports from anglers this week.

Roswell Kids Pond:

We had no reports from anglers this week.

Ruidoso River :

Water flow at Ruidoso on Monday was 1.4cfs. Trout fishing was slow.

Santa Rosa Lake :

Fishing for walleye this past week was fair-to-good using crank baits, tubes, and grubs. The walleye were scattered. Fishing for smallmouth bass was good for anglers using top water lures, senkos, crank baits, tubes and jigs. Fishing for crappie was fair for anglers using minnows and tubes. Anglers fishing for bass and walleye also reported catching a few crappie. We had no reports on other species.

Sumner Lake :

Fishing for walleye and white bass was good this past week for anglers using Gulp minnows and leeches, crank baits, grubs and tubes. Fishing for largemouth bass and smallmouth bass was fair-to-good using jerk baits, crank baits, lizards, tubes and top water lures. A few crappie were taken by anglers using minnows and jigs. Fishing was fair using night crawlers and dough baits for catfish.

CATCHES OF THE WEEK:
Abiquiu Lake: On May 18, Andres Alvarado age four and a half, with the help of his Dad boated a 26 inch 5 pound 11 ounce walleye and a 22 inch 3.5 pound brown trout. He was trolling a crank bait over 30 feet of water.
Pecos River: On May 21, Eddie Griego of Santa Fe caught a 22 inch rainbow trout. He was fishing near Dalton Canyon and using a salmon egg/corn combination.
Clayton Lake: On May 25, Roy Liton and his son Jordan Liton caught a 3 pound and a 2.75 pound rainbow trout. They were using red Rooster Tails. On the same day, Daniel Trujillo of Clayton caught a 3.5 pounder.
Laguna Del Campo: On May 25, Matthew Romero of Albuquerque caught a 20 inch, 3.5 pound rainbow trout. He was using salmon eggs.
Abiquiu Reservoir: On May 26, Becca Tafoya of Santa Fe caught a 22inch, 4.5 pound walleye. Her Dad, Pete Tafoya caught a 21 inch, 4 pound walleye. Both fish were caught on crank baits.

If you have a catch of the week story or just want to tell us about your latest New Mexico fishing experience, send it to us at fishforfun2@hotmail.com. We may include your story in our next report. You can also send it along with a picture to lars@wildnewmexico.com and we will post it on our "Share Your Picture" page We may include your story in our next report. For catches of the week include name, date, location, type of fish, length and bait used to catch the fish.

Published by Bill Dunn for the New Mexico Department of Game & Fish
Public Affairs Division
P.O. Box 25112
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87504
(505) 476-8000