New Mexico Fishing Seasons: Your Guide to Year-Round Angling Adventures

New Mexico offers diverse and exciting fishing opportunities throughout the year. From the cold mountain streams teeming with trout to the warm reservoirs filled with bass, there’s something for every angler in the Land of Enchantment. Understanding the fishing seasons is key to planning successful outings and enjoying the best of what New Mexico’s waters have to offer. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the various fishing seasons, top species to target, and prime locations for each time of year.

Spring Fishing (March through May)

As winter fades and temperatures start to rise, New Mexico’s fishing scene comes alive in the spring months. This is a great time to target a variety of species across the state.

Trout Fishing in the Spring

Spring is an excellent time for trout fishing in New Mexico’s rivers and streams. As the snow melts in the mountains, the increased water flow triggers insect hatches, which in turn activates the trout. Some of the best places to cast your line for trout in the spring include:

• The San Juan River below Navajo Dam, known for its trophy-sized rainbow and brown trout
• The Chama River below El Vado Lake, offering excellent fishing for wild brown and rainbow trout
• The Cimarron River in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, home to healthy populations of rainbow and brown trout

When targeting trout in the spring, focus on using nymphs, streamers, and emerger patterns that imitate the aquatic insects prevalent during this time.

Warm Water Fishing in the Spring

While trout fishing gets much of the attention in the spring, New Mexico’s warm water fisheries also start to heat up. Species like largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, and walleye become more active as the water temperatures rise. Top locations for spring warm water fishing include:

• Elephant Butte Lake, the state’s largest reservoir, known for its excellent largemouth bass and walleye fishing
• Ute Lake State Park, which offers good numbers of largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, and walleye
• Navajo Lake, a premier destination for smallmouth bass and northern pike

In the early spring, focus on fishing deeper water with slow-moving baits like jigs and soft plastics. As the water warms up, switch to reaction baits like crankbaits and spinnerbaits.

Summer Fishing (June through August)

Summer is peak fishing season in New Mexico, with warm weather and long days providing ample opportunities to get out on the water. While the heat can be intense, the fishing action is often red-hot.

High Country Trout Fishing

As temperatures soar in the lowlands, anglers can escape the heat by heading to the high country in pursuit of trout. New Mexico’s mountain streams and high-elevation lakes offer excellent summer trout fishing. Some top spots include:

• The Rio Costilla in the Carson National Forest, known for its healthy population of Rio Grande cutthroat trout
• The Jemez River in the Santa Fe National Forest, offering good fishing for brown and rainbow trout
• Heron Lake in northern New Mexico, a deep, clear lake that supports a strong population of rainbow and lake trout

When fishing for trout in the summer, focus on the cooler morning and evening hours when fish are more active. Dry flies, terrestrials, and small spinners are effective choices.

Warm Water Fishing in the Summer

New Mexico’s warm water fisheries are in full swing during the summer months. Many species, such as largemouth bass and catfish, are actively feeding and provide exciting fishing opportunities. Prime locations for summer warm water fishing include:

• Conchas Lake in eastern New Mexico, known for its excellent largemouth bass and channel catfish populations
• Elephant Butte Lake, which continues to offer good fishing for largemouth bass, walleye, and catfish throughout the summer
• The Pecos River, a diverse fishery that supports good numbers of largemouth bass, channel catfish, and white bass

During the hot summer months, focus on fishing early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are cooler. Topwater lures, crankbaits, and live bait are all effective choices for summer warm water fishing.

Fall Fishing (September through November)

As summer gives way to fall, New Mexico’s fishing scene undergoes another transition. Cooler temperatures and changing foliage create a picturesque backdrop for anglers.

Fall Trout Fishing

Fall is a prime time for trout fishing in New Mexico, as the cooler weather and reduced fishing pressure create ideal conditions. Some of the best fall trout fishing destinations include:

• The San Juan River, which sees a resurgence of activity as brown trout move upstream to spawn
• The Rio Grande in northern New Mexico, known for its excellent fall fishing for brown and rainbow trout
• The Chama River, which offers good fishing for wild brown and rainbow trout amidst stunning fall colors

When targeting trout in the fall, focus on using streamers and nymphs that imitate the larger prey items that trout are keying in on, such as minnows and crayfish.

Fall Warm Water Fishing

While trout fishing gets much of the attention in the fall, New Mexico’s warm water fisheries also offer excellent opportunities. Species like largemouth bass and walleye become more active as the water temperatures cool. Top locations for fall warm water fishing include:

• Elephant Butte Lake, which sees a resurgence of largemouth bass and walleye activity in the fall
• Navajo Lake, known for its excellent fall smallmouth bass fishing
• Ute Lake, which offers good fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and walleye in the fall

In the fall, focus on fishing deeper water with slower presentations like jigs and soft plastics. As the water cools, switch to faster-moving baits like crankbaits and spinnerbaits.

Winter Fishing (December through February)

While winter may not be the first season that comes to mind for fishing, New Mexico offers some unique and rewarding opportunities for anglers willing to brave the cold.

Winter Trout Fishing

New Mexico’s winter trout fishing is centered around the state’s tailwaters, which offer consistent water temperatures and flows throughout the year. The San Juan River below Navajo Dam is the state’s premier winter trout fishery, known for its large rainbow and brown trout. Other top winter trout destinations include:

• The Chama River below El Vado Lake, which offers good fishing for wild brown and rainbow trout
• The Rio Grande below Elephant Butte Dam, known for its excellent winter fishing for rainbow and brown trout

When targeting trout in the winter, focus on using small, slow-moving nymphs and midges that imitate the tiny aquatic insects that are active during this time.

Ice Fishing

For a truly unique winter fishing experience, head to one of New Mexico’s frozen lakes for some ice fishing. Top ice fishing destinations include:

• Eagle Nest Lake in the Moreno Valley, known for its excellent ice fishing for rainbow trout and perch
• Fenton Lake in the Jemez Mountains, which offers good ice fishing for rainbow trout
• Heron Lake in northern New Mexico, a deep, clear lake that supports a strong population of rainbow and lake trout

When ice fishing, focus on using small jigs and spoons tipped with bait like wax worms or mealworms. Be sure to exercise caution and never venture out onto the ice alone or without proper safety gear.

Conclusion

New Mexico offers year-round fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. By understanding the unique characteristics and top destinations for each season, you can plan successful outings and make the most of your time on the water. Remember to always check the current fishing regulations, obtain necessary licenses and permits, and practice catch and release when appropriate to help preserve New Mexico’s fisheries for generations to come. With its diverse landscapes, abundant fish populations, and scenic beauty, New Mexico truly is an angler’s paradise in every season.