WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Tell us about your latest New Mexico fishing adventure, or your catch of the week. Just visit https://wildlife.dgf.nm.gov/fishing/weekly-report/ and use the iFish form at the bottom of this page. We may include your story in our next report. For catches of the week include: name, age, hometown, date, location, type of fish, length and weight if possible, and bait, lure or fly used. Fish weights and measurements are provided by the angler and printed here as received. Photos containing sensitive material may be altered or excluded at the Department's discretion.

This fishing report, provided by the Department of Game and Fish, has been generated from the best information available from anglers and local fishing experts. Conditions encountered after the report is compiled may differ, as stream, lake and weather conditions alter fish and angler activities.

NOTE: There will be fewer reports available during the cooler seasons when fishing slows. The Department will make every effort to provide as much information as possible during the winter months.

CHECK OUT THE LATEST STOCKING REPORT

Get your Fishing License now!

A 2024-25 Fishing License is  required and is valid through March 31, 2025. The 2024-25 Fishing Rules and Information Booklet (RIB) is available online and in print in English and Spanish.

Check the Fishing Conditions and Trip Planner!

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 a four-year period. 

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 of fish species available, facilities, accessibility, boat ramps and general regulations.

Check out the webpage to plan your trip now!

Land Management Agency Links

The Department reminds anglers to “know before you go” and to contact land management agencies regarding additional regulations or restrictions on specific properties of interest prior to heading afield.

• Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
• U.S. Forest Service (USFS)
• New Mexico State Lands
• New Mexico State Parks 
• New Mexico Open Gate Properties 
• New Mexico Wildlife Management Areas
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Consult local government websites for information regarding specific city and town fishing access. 

NORTHEAST

NORTHEAST CATCHES OF THE WEEK

Hopewell Lake: Michael Romero of Santa Fe caught five trout on Jan. 4. “They were biting on just about anything, from salmon eggs, Orange PowerBait, wax worms and Gulp minnows with a glow-in-the-dark, pink jig head,” he said. “Winds were very high in the afternoon, pushing over 20 mph.”

Rio Grande: Tom Chrobocinski caught two rainbow trout, one smallmouth bass and a nice cutthroat using a red-and-black Joe’s Fly at the Taos Junction Bridge on Jan. 2.

NORTHEAST FISHING REPORT

Cabresto Lake: We had no reports from anglers this week.

Charette Lakes: Closed for the season. Reopens March 1.

Cimarron River: Streamflow near Cimarron Monday morning was not measured due to ice.

Clayton Lake: Closed for the season. Reopens March 1.

Conchas Lake: We had no reports from anglers this week.

Costilla Creek: We had no reports from anglers this week.

Cowles Ponds: Fishing for trout was slow.

Coyote Creek: We had no reports from anglers this week.

Eagle Nest Lake: The Lake is closed due to unsafe ice conditions. For updated lake conditions, visit the park’s webpage or call the park office at 575-377-1594.

Eagle Rock Lake: We had no reports from anglers this week.

Gallinas River: National Forest closures have been in place restricting fishing access. Visit the Santa Fe National Forest webpage or call the Santa Fe National Forest office at 505-438-5300 for the latest closure information.

Hopewell Lake: Anglers have begun ice fishing at the lake. Fishing for trout was great using most baits, including salmon eggs, Orange PowerBait, wax worms and Gulp minnows with a glow-in-the-dark, pink jig head

Lake Alice: We had no reports from anglers this week.

Lake Maloya: We had no reports from anglers this week. The ADA dock is open to anglers with priority given to mobility-impaired persons.

Los Pinos River: We had no reports from anglers this week.

Maxwell Lake 13: Closed for the season. Reopens March 1.

Monastery Lake: Closed due to unsafe ice conditions. The lake is part of the Department’s Open Gate Program. Please visit our website for more information about this property. 

Morphy Lake: Closed for the season. Reopens March 1.

Pecos River: Streamflow near Pecos Monday morning was 21.9 cubic feet per second (cfs). Fishing for trout was slow.

Red River: Streamflow below the Red River Hatchery on Monday morning was 35.1 cfs. Fishing for trout was good when using black streamer flies and San Juan worm-pattern flies.

Red River Hatchery: Work to replace the water line to the hatchery pond has been completed and stocking has resumed. We had no reports from anglers this week.

Rio Grande: Streamflow below the Taos Junction Bridge on Monday morning was 563 cfs. Fishing for bass and trout was good using red-and-black Joe’s Flies and olive-colored streamers.

Rio Hondo: Streamflow near Valdez Monday morning was not measured due to ice.

Rio Mora: Streamflow near Terrero Monday morning was not measured due to ice.

Rio Pueblo: Streamflow near Peñasco Monday morning was not measured due to ice.

Santa Cruz Reservoir: Santa Cruz Reservoir is closed and will reopen Feb. 15.

Shuree Ponds: We had no reports from anglers this week.

Springer Lake: We had no reports from anglers this week.

Storrie Lake: We had no reports from anglers this week.

Stubblefield Lake: We had no reports from anglers this week.

Ute Lake: We had no reports from anglers this week. 

NORTHWEST

NORTHWEST CATCHES OF THE WEEK

Fenton Lake: Katlyn and Steve Coffey of Albuquerque caught their limits of trout using Garlic PowerBait on Jan. 3.

San Juan River: Edward Morris submitted this photo from a trip to the San Juan where 10 rainbow trout were caught in the quality waters using a size-26 midge fly on Jan. 3.

Seven Springs Kid's Pond: Zayden Crespin, age 5, of Santo Domingo Pueblo caught his limit of trout using Orange PowerBait on Jan. 3.

Tingley Beach: Isiah and Isaac Lovato caught four trout using Peach PowerBait on Dec. 31. “Isiah and Isaac ended 2024 by having a great day fishing and making memories,” Angelo Lovato said.

NORTHWEST FISHING REPORT

Abiquiu Lake: Contact the Abiquiu Lake Main Office at 505-685-4371 for updated lake conditions and closure information.

Animas River: Streamflow below Aztec Monday morning was 209 cfs.

Albuquerque Area Drains: We had no reports from anglers this week.

Bluewater Lake: Fishing for trout was good when using crankbaits and Garlic White PowerBait Eggs.

Brazos River: Fishing for trout was good when using worms.

Canjilon Lakes: We had no reports from anglers this week.

Cochiti Lake: Fishing for pike was fair to good when using 4-inch gold spoons.

El Vado Lake: Closed due to dam construction project. For more information, visit El Vado Lake State Park’s webpage or call 575-588-7247.

Fenton Lake: Fishing for trout was good when using Garlic Glitter PowerBait and Garlic PowerBait. Fenton Lake is now partially covered in dangerously thin ice. Going onto the ice for any reason is strictly prohibited. Visit the park’s webpage or call the park office at 575-829-3630 for updates.

Grants Riverwalk Pond: We had no reports from anglers this week.

Heron Lake: Fishing for kokanee salmon using snagging hooks was very slow.

Jemez Waters: Streamflow near Jemez Monday morning was 12 cfs.

Laguna del Campo: Closed for the season. Reopens May 1.

Lagunitas Lakes: We had no reports from anglers this week.

Lake Farmington: Fishing for trout was slow to fair when using PowerBait.

Liam Knight Pond: Fishing for trout was fair when using Orange PowerBait and green flies.

McGaffey Lake: Fishing for trout was very good when using White Garlic PowerBait Eggs.

Navajo Lake: Fishing for pike was slow when using crankbaits. The dam is closed to vehicle traffic until May 2025.

Rio Chama: Streamflow below El Vado Lake Monday morning was 103 cfs; streamflow below Abiquiu Lake Tuesday morning was 502 cfs. Fishing for trout was fair to good when using Woolly Bugger flies below Abiquiu Lake. 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: We had no reports from anglers this week.

Riverside Park Pond (Aztec Pond #1): We had no reports from anglers this week.

San Gregorio Lake: We had no reports from anglers this week.

San Juan River: Streamflow near Archuleta Monday morning was 352 cfs. Fishing for trout was good when using, egg-pattern flies, size-20 Red Annelid flies and red-and-black midge-pattern flies and slow to fair when using Mini Leech flies.

Seven Springs Kids’ Pond: Fishing for trout was very good when using salmon eggs and Orange PowerBait. The pond was half covered in ice but still fishable. If you catch a native Rio Grande chub in the Kid's Pond, please do not leave it on the bank; return it to the water where it can survive as part of our native ecosystem.

Tiger Park Reservoir: We had no reports from anglers this week.

Tingley Beach: Fishing for trout was fair to good when using Peach PowerBait, salmon eggs and white egg-pattern flies.

Trout Lakes: We had no reports from anglers this week. 

SOUTHWEST

SOUTHWEST CATCHES OF THE WEEK

Bear Canyon Lake: With help from Daisy and Dominic (pictured), Virginia Borunda caught four rainbow trout using PowerBait on Jan. 1.

Young Pond: Colt Vaughn caught three trout using PowerBait Salmon Eggs on Jan. 1. “First cast of the year!”, he said. “Had fun, caught three trout.”

SOUTHWEST FISHING REPORT

Alumni Pond: Closed for repairs until further notice.

Bear Canyon Lake: Fishing for trout was fair to good when using PowerBait and spinners.

Bill Evans Lake: Fishing for bass was fair when using Strike King Wire Spinners. Fishing for trout was slow when using Green PowerBait, salmon eggs and worms.

Caballo Lake: We had no reports from anglers this week.

Elephant Butte Lake: Fishing for walleye was slow to fair when using plastic baits. Fishing for catfish was fair to good when using cut bait.

Escondida Lake: Fishing for trout was fair when using salmon eggs and PowerBait.

Gila River: Streamflow near Gila Monday morning was 63.9 cfs. Fishing for catfish was fair when using crawdads.

Gila Waters: Streamflow near Gila Hot Springs Monday morning was 49.9 cfs.

Glenwood Pond: We had no reports from anglers this week.

Lake Roberts: Fishing for trout was good when using PowerBait and spinners.

Percha Dam: We had no reports from anglers this week.

Quemado Lake: Fishing for trout was good when using PowerBait and Chartreuse PowerBait Eggs. Fishing for tiger muskie was fair to good when using red-and-white Mepps spinners.

Rancho Grande Ponds: We had no reports from anglers this week.

Rio Grande: Streamflow below Elephant Butte Dam on Monday morning was 1 cfs.

Snow Lake: We had no reports from anglers this week.

Trees Lake: Fishing for trout was good when using PowerBait.

Young Pond: Fishing for trout was fair to good when using small rainbow-pattern spoons and PowerBait Salmon Eggs. 

SOUTHEAST

SOUTHEAST CATCH OF THE WEEK

Oasis Park Lake: Reyes Calderon, age 16, caught and released 12 rainbow trout within two hours using a Pistol Pete Red Worm fly while fishing with his younger brother on Dec. 30.

SOUTHEAST FISHING REPORT

Alto Lake: Alto Lake is closed indefinitely due to extensive damage caused by the South Fork Fire. The wildfire has left significant impacts on the natural environment and infrastructure surrounding the lake, necessitating immediate and prolonged closure for safety and restoration efforts. Please visit https://www.ruidoso-nm.gov/ for the most current information. 

Bataan Lake: We had no reports from anglers this week.

Berrendo Creek: Please visit the Open Gate webpage for more information on this property.

Black River: Streamflow at Malaga Monday morning was 8 cfs.

Blue Hole Park Pond: We had no reports from anglers this week.

Bonito Lake: Fishing for trout was good when using flies, lures and worms. Only fishing activities are permitted at Bonito Lake.

Bosque Redondo Lake: We had no reports from anglers this week.

Bottomless Lakes: We had no reports from anglers this week.

Brantley Lake: We had no reports from anglers this week.

Carlsbad Municipal Lake: We had no reports from anglers this week.

Chaparral Park Lake: We had no reports from anglers this week.

Corona Pond: Fishing for trout was good when using earthworms.

Dennis Chavez Pond: We had no reports from anglers this week.

Estancia Park Lake: We had no reports from anglers this week.

Eunice Lake: We had no reports from anglers this week.

Green Meadow Lake: We had no reports from anglers this week.

Greene Acres Lake: We had no reports from anglers this week.

Grindstone Lake: Fishing for trout was good when using PowerBait. Grindstone Lake is currently open for fishing. Due to changing wildlife impact closures, please see the Grindstone Lake Webpage before planning a visit.

Harry McAdams Park Pond: We had no reports from anglers this week.

Jal Lake: We had no reports from anglers this week.

Lake Van: We had no reports from anglers this week.

Ned Houk Ponds: We had no reports from anglers this week.

Oasis Park Lake: Fishing for trout was very good when using PowerBait and Pistol Pete Red Worm flies. Fishing for bass was slow.

Pecos River: Streamflow below Sumner Lake Monday morning was 9.87 cfs. Fishing for rainbow trout was good when using Cheese PowerBait.

Perch Lake: We had no reports from anglers this week.

Rio Bonito: We had no reports from anglers this week.

Rio Ruidoso: Streamflow at Hollywood on Monday morning was 2.56 cfs. The area has been experiencing heavy flooding due to recent fires and heavy rain.

Rock Lake Hatchery Kids’ Pond: We had no reports from anglers this week.

Santa Rosa Lake: The boat ramp is open.

Spring River Pond: We had no reports from anglers this week.

Sumner Lake: We had no reports from anglers this week. The Eastside Campground and Eastside Shoreline are now closed for the winter season and will reopen April 1.

Timberon Ponds: We had no reports from anglers this week. 

TIPS, TRICKS AND STORIES

Attention Outdoor Vendors and Organizations!

The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish is still accepting applications for the 2025 Outdoor Adventures Show, scheduled to take place Feb. 14-16, 2025, at Expo New Mexico in Albuquerque. The New Mexico Outdoor Adventures Show presents a unique opportunity for outdoor vendors and organizations to share their products and expertise with outdoor enthusiasts from across the state. 

With up to 10,000 attendees each year, the show brings the outdoor recreation community together under one roof where your business or organization can highlight goods, services and products that encourage participation in hunting, angling, off-highway vehicles, camping, hiking, birdwatching, water sports, target shooting and more.

 Booth space is limited, so don’t miss out on reserving your space today.  Discounts are available to non-profit organizations and vendors who provide educational activities for attendees. Click here for more details, including a map to help you select which booth you would like. The registration form is available here. Booths will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, so get your application in now!

The deadline for vendor applications has been extended until Jan. 31, 2025. Department staff will evaluate each application and will reach out to you directly to arrange payment if your application is approved. 

For more information on the Outdoor Adventures Show, booth sizes, pricing, payment deadlines, registration and sponsorship opportunities, download the Vendor Application Packet here.

If you have questions about the show or application process, please email ispa@dgf.nm.gov.

Let us know how your fishing trip goes! Share your tips and tricks with your fellow anglers by filling out the iFish form at https://wildlife.dgf.nm.gov/fishing/weekly-report and let’s help the next generation of anglers find success.

Thanks for reading and supporting our angling community!