Editor's Note: Anglers have taken to our new iFish form like a fish to water (sorry for the pun)! In fact, your response has gone far beyond anything we could have imagined. We're continually impressed by the quantity and quality of the photos you send us every week. However, while we'd love to be able to run every photo we receive, technical limitations keep us from being able to do so effectively.
That doesn't mean your submissions are being ignored, though. Far from it, in fact. The Department has started a Weekly Wall of Fame, where every photo that we receive will be published. You'll be able to find the link to each week's Wall of Fame, as well as the Weekly Fishing and Stocking Report and the iFish form, on the Department's website. You can also view this week's Wall of Fame by clicking here. Feel free to share the link with your friends and family – because what fishing trip would be complete without a little bragging?
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. Submissions received by 5 p.m. Monday will be considered for inclusion in that week's fishing report. For catches of the week include: your 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 displayed 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 area officers and anglers. Conditions encountered after the report is compiled may differ, as stream, lake and weather conditions alter fish and angler activities.
The weekly stocking report is posted each Friday, so it can include the latest stocking details right up to the weekend.
The 2025-26 license year is underway!
License sales for the 2025-26 license year have begun. Licenses from the 2024-2025 license year are no longer valid. The 2025-26 Fishing Rules and Information Booklet (RIB) is available online in both English and Spanish, and will soon be available in print at Department offices and vendors statewide.
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 the 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.
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.
Consult local government websites for information regarding specific city and town fishing access.
NORTHEAST
NORTHEAST CATCH OF THE WEEK
Hopewell Lake: From left to right, Valerie Cordova, Yvonne Gallegos and Tina Cordova “killed it” during their trip on Aug. 30. Valerie caught a 20-inch trout, while Yvonne and Tina each caught 18-inchers using worms.
NORTHEAST FISHING REPORT
Cabresto Lake: The most recent report was received Aug. 28. At that time, fishing for trout was fair to good when using olive beadhead caddis flies.
Cimarron River: Streamflow near Cimarron Wednesday morning was 12.5 cubic feet per second (cfs).
Conchas Lake: The most recent report was received Aug. 21. At that time, fishing for largemouth bass was very good when using poor house curly tails.
Eagle Nest Lake:The most recent report was received Aug. 14. At that time, fishing for kokanee was slow when using Kokanee Killers. The New Mexico Environment Department has reported a potentially harmful algae bloom at the lake and the public is advised to take precautions, including keeping pets out of the water and avoiding swimming in the algae bloom. For updated lake conditions and potential hazards, visit the park’s webpage or call the park office at 575-377-1594.
Gallinas River:The river was recently stocked the first time since the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire.
Hopewell Lake: Fishing for trout was slow to fair when using worms.
Lake Maloya: The most recent report was received Aug. 28. At that time, fishing for trout was fair to good when using PowerBait Mice Tails and Pistol Pete flies.
Monastery Lake: The most recent report was received Aug. 28. At that time, fishing for trout was slow when using worms and Pistol Petes.The lake is part of the Department’s Open Gate Program. Please visit our website for more information about this property.
Pecos River: Streamflow near Pecos Wednesday morning was 151 cfs. Fishing for trout was very good when using PowerBait and good when using elk-hair caddis and Adams flies.
Red River: Streamflow below the Red River Hatchery on Wednesday morning was 30.6 cfs. Fishing for rainbow trout below the hatchery was very good when using Nymph Emerger and Prince Nymph flies.
Red River Hatchery: Fishing for rainbow trout was good when using salmon eggs and slow to fair when using leech-like flies.
Rio Grande: Streamflow below the Taos Junction Bridge on Wednesday morning was 207 cfs. Fishing for rainbow trout, brown trout and smallmouth bass was fair to good when using red worms.
Rio Hondo: Streamflow near Valdez Wednesday morning was 9.73 cfs.
Rio Mora: Streamflow near Terrero Wednesday morning was 64.5 cfs.
Rio Pueblo: The most recent report was received Aug. 28. At that time, fishing for trout was good when using worms.Streamflow near Peñasco Wednesday morning was 14.8 cfs.
Santa Barbara River: The most recent report was received Aug. 14. At that time, fishing for trout was slow when using Trout Magnet grubs.
Santa Cruz Reservoir: Fishing for trout was slow when using PowerBait and spinners.
Shuree Ponds: Fishing for trout was slow to fair when using leech-like flies from a kayak.
We received no reports for the following waterbodies over the past three weeks: Clayton Lake, Charette Lakes, Costilla Creek, Cowles Ponds, Coyote Creek, Eagle Rock Lake, Harris Pond, Lake Alice, Los Pinos River, Maxwell Lake 13, Morphy Lake, Red River City Ponds, Springer Lake, Storrie Lake, Stubblefield Lake and Ute Lake.
NORTHWEST
NORTHWEST CATCH OF THE WEEK
Jemez Waters: Luna, age 7, and Bodhi Larragoite, age 4, caught six nice rainbow trout ranging from 12-13 inches in length using nightcrawlers on the Rio Cebolla on Sept. 1. It was the first trout Bodhi had caught and eaten.
NORTHWEST FISHING REPORT
Abiquiu Lake: The most recent report was received Aug. 28. At that time, fishing for smallmouth bass was slow to fair when using wacky-rigged Senkos. Contact the Abiquiu Lake Main Office at 505-685-4371for updated lake conditions and closure information.
Albuquerque Area Drains: The most recent report was received Aug. 21. At that time, fishing for catfish was slow to fair when using chicken breast with Jell-O.
Animas River: Streamflow below Aztec Wednesday morning was 53.5 cfs.
Bluewater Lake: The most recent report was received Aug. 21. At that time, fishing for tiger muskie was good when using Whopper Ploppers and slow when using small, light blue spinners.Visit Bluewater Lake State Park’s webpage or call 505-876-2391 for more information.
Canjilon Lakes: Fishing for trout was good when using dry dropper flies.
Cochiti Lake: Fishing for catfish was slow when using lures.
El Vado Lake: 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 webpageor call 575-588-7247.
Fenton Lake: The most recent report was received Aug. 21. At that time, fishing for trout was slow to fair when using Garlic PowerBait.Visit the park’s webpageor call the park office at 575-829-3630 for updates.
Heron Lake: Fishing for smallmouth bass was slow when using gold Blue Fox Vibrax Wildeye Inline Spinners.
Jemez Waters: Streamflow near Jemez Wednesday morning was 17.1 cfs. Fishing for rainbow trout was good when using nightcrawlers on the Cebolla River.
Navajo Lake: The most recent report was received Aug. 21. At that time, fishing for northern pike was fair to good when using crankbaits.
Rio Chama: Fishing for trout below Abiquiu Lake was slow when using PowerBait, salmon eggs and nightcrawlers. Fishing for trout below El Vado Lake was good when using nightcrawlers. Streamflow below El Vado Lake Wednesday morning was 99.8 cfs; streamflow below Abiquiu Lake Wednesday morning was 45.1 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: The river is currently dry through Albuquerque.
San Juan River: Streamflow near Archuleta Wednesday morning was 994 cfs. Fishing for brown trout in the quality waters was very good when using nymph flies. Fishing for rainbow trout was good when using Foam Emerger flies and San Juan worms.
Seven Springs Kids’ Pond: The most recent report was received Aug. 21. At that time, fishing for trout was fair to good when using worms. 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.
We received no reports for the following waterbodies over the past three weeks: Brazos River, Grants Riverwalk Pond, Jackson Lake, Laguna del Campo, Lagunitas Lakes, Lake Farmington, Liam Knight Pond, McGaffey Lake, Riverside Park Pond (Aztec Pond #1), San Gregorio Lake, Tiger Park Reservoir, Tingley Beach and Trout Lakes.
SOUTHWEST
SOUTHWEST CATCH OF THE WEEK
Bill Evans Lake: Genesis Smith caught a largemouth bass using a 3-ounce white spinner on Sept. 1. “I caught this behemoth just before sundown, after all the rain stopped,” she said. “Best fight I’ve ever experienced, and definitely my new personal record!”
SOUTHWEST FISHING REPORT
Bear Canyon Lake: Fishing conditions have been adversely affected in the aftermath of the Trout Fire.
Bill Evans Lake: Fishing for largemouth bass was good when using 3-ounce white spinners.
Caballo Lake: The boat ramp has been closed and use of motorized boats is prohibited because of low water levels. Visit Caballo Lake State Park’s website for more information.
Elephant Butte Lake:Fishing for smallmouth bass was good when using minnows.
Escondida Lake: The most recent report was received Aug. 21. At that time, fishing for catfish was slow to fair when using hot dogs with Kool-Aid.
Gila River: Streamflow near Gila Wednesday morning was 38.2 cfs.
Gila Waters: Streamflow near Gila Hot Springs Wednesday morning was 34.9 cfs.
Glenwood Pond: The most recent report was received Aug. 21. At that time, fishing for trout was very good when using PowerBait.
Percha Dam: The most recent report was received Aug. 21. At that time, fishing for brown trout was fair to good when using worms.
Quemado Lake: Fishing for trout was slow to fair when using PowerBait.
Rancho Grande Ponds: The most recent report was received Aug. 14. At that time, fishing for catfish was good when using chicken liver and worms.
Rio Grande: Streamflow below Elephant Butte Dam on Wednesday morning was 1,100 cfs.
We received no reports for the following waterbodies over the past three weeks: Lake Roberts, Snow Lake, Trees Lake and Young Pond.
SOUTHEAST
SOUTHEAST CATCH OF THE WEEK
Corona Pond: Kale and Declan Ray caught their first albino catfish using chicken liver and hot dogs on Aug. 28.
SOUTHEAST FISHING REPORT
Berrendo Creek: The most recent report was received Aug. 28. At that time, fishing for trout was fair to good when using bacon.Please visit the Open Gate webpagefor more information on this property.
Black River: Streamflow at Malaga Wednesday morning was 30.6 cfs.
Bonito Lake:Fishing for trout was fair to good when using worms.Only fishing activities are permitted at Bonito Lake.
Corona Pond: Fishing for catfish was slow to fair when using chicken liver and hot dogs.
Green Meadow Lake: The most recent report was received Aug. 14. At that time, fishing for bass was fair to good when using lures.
Greene Acres Lake: The most recent report was received Aug. 28. At that time, fishing for catfish was fair to good when using liver and nightcrawlers.
Grindstone Reservoir: The most recent report was received Aug. 14. At that time, fishing for trout was very good when using Rainbow PowerBait and Pistol Pete red tails. Grindstone Reservoir is currently open for fishing. Due to changing wildlife impact closures, please see the Grindstone Reservoir Webpage before planning a visit.
Lake Van:The most recent report was received Aug. 14. At that time, fishing for catfish was good when using hot dogs.
Oasis Park Lake: The most recent report was received Aug. 14. At that time, fishing for catfish was slow to fair when using stink bait.
Pecos River: Streamflow below Sumner Lake Wednesday morning was 76.7 cfs.
Rio Ruidoso: Streamflow at Hollywood on Wednesday morning was 27.6 cfs. Fishing conditions will be adversely affected for an extended period of time due to recent flooding in the area.
Sumner Lake: Fishing for largemouth bass was good when using Texas-rigged Senkos.
We received no reports for the following waterbodies over the past three weeks: Alto Lake, Bataan Lake, Blue Hole Park Pond, Bosque Redondo Lake, Bottomless Lakes, Brantley Lake, Carlsbad Municipal Lake, Chaparral Park Lake, Corona Pond, Dennis Chavez Pond, Estancia Park Lake, Eunice Lake, Harry McAdams Park Pond, Jal Lake, Ned Houk Ponds, Perch Lake, Rio Bonito, Rock Lake Hatchery Kids’ Pond, Santa Rosa Lake, Spring River Pond, Sumner Lake and Timberon Ponds.
TIPS, TRICKS AND STORIES
Bass Stocking at Elephant Butte
Bass anglers turned out at Elephant Butte Lake to assist fisheries staff from the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish with a historic community stocking event this week.
More than 1,300 largemouth bass, ranging from 14-16 inches in length, were released. This is significant, as the Department usually stocks small fry and fingerlings when stocking bass.
A huge thank you to the Rock Lake Hatchery in Santa Rosa for raising these big, beautiful bass. The Department would also like to thank all the anglers who helped disperse these bass to all parts of the lake. Projects like this wouldn't be possible without the support generated by fishing license revenue, so thank you to the anglers for your support of this important conservation work.
Check out the video below to see the work Department staff and volunteers did last week!
Remember to let us know how your fishing trip goes! Share your tips, tricks and stories with your fellow anglers by filling out the iFish form and let’s help the next generation of anglers find success. If you would like to submit a story for Tips, Tricks and Stories, please email Communications Director Darren Vaughan at Darren.Vaughan@dgf.nm.gov.
New Mexico Department of Game & Fish, 1 Wildlife Way, Santa Fe, NM 87507
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