Sierra County, NM · Reservoir
Elephant Butte Reservoir
New Mexico’s largest lake — a 36,000-acre Rio Grande reservoir and the state’s premier warm-water fishery. Trophy largemouth and smallmouth bass relate to the rock and points, with walleye, white bass, crappie, and channel catfish throughout. Elephant Butte Lake State Park anchors public ramps and miles of shoreline.
Live · updated
Top picks today
Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Crappie & Channel Catfish — tied at the top (23/100)
5 species tied for best of 5 tracked at Elephant Butte Reservoir.
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Species at Elephant Butte Reservoir
5 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top 5 (tied) are open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Largemouth Bass Skip the Largemouth Bass trip today. In season 23/100
What's helping
- 10 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- Thunderstorms — get off the water immediately when storms approach
About. Micropterus salmoides — Most popular gamefish in MD non-tidal waters. Ambush predator around cover — lily pads, submerged timber, docks, grass edges. Hits plastics, spinnerbaits, jigs, and topwater across the season.
Prefers. Water 55–85°F (ideal 72°F) · either tide · depth 3–25 ft.
- Daily creel
- 5
New Mexico: 5 black bass/day; 14" minimum on designated Trophy Bass Waters. Confirm the water.
Source: New Mexico non-tidal regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
#1 Smallmouth Bass Skip the Smallmouth Bass trip today. In season 23/100
What's helping
- 10 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- Thunderstorms — get off the water immediately when storms approach
About. Micropterus dolomieu — Premier gamefish of the non-tidal Potomac, the Upper Susquehanna, and Deep Creek Lake. Pound-for-pound one of the hardest-fighting freshwater fish. Hits tubes, crayfish imitations, spinnerbaits, and topwater poppers.
Prefers. Water 55–78°F (ideal 68°F) · either tide · depth 3–30 ft.
- Daily creel
- 5
New Mexico: 5 black bass/day (largemouth and smallmouth combined).
Source: New Mexico non-tidal regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
#1 Walleye Skip the Walleye trip today. In season 23/100
What's helping
- 10 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- Thunderstorms — get off the water immediately when storms approach
About. Sander vitreus — Maryland's premier cool-water gamefish. Deep Creek Lake is the flagship fishery; also found in the non-tidal Potomac and the Youghiogheny River. Low-light feeder — dusk, dawn, and overcast/windy days are prime. Jigs, crankbaits, and nightcrawler harnesses are standard.
Prefers. Water 50–72°F (ideal 62°F) · either tide · depth 10–40 ft.
- Daily creel
- 5
New Mexico: 5 walleye/day; some waters add a minimum size.
Source: New Mexico non-tidal regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
#1 Crappie Skip the Crappie trip today. In season 23/100
What's helping
- 10 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- Thunderstorms — get off the water immediately when storms approach
About. Pomoxis spp. — Covers both black crappie (P. nigromaculatus) and white crappie (P. annularis). Schooling panfish around brush, docks, and submerged timber. Spring pre-spawn is the prime season — small minnows and 1/16-oz jigs are the go-to.
Prefers. Water 50–80°F (ideal 65°F) · either tide · depth 3–20 ft.
- Daily creel
- 15
New Mexico: 15 crappie/day, no size limit.
Source: New Mexico non-tidal regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
#1 Channel Catfish Skip the Channel Catfish trip today. In season 23/100
What's helping
- 10 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- Thunderstorms — get off the water immediately when storms approach
About. Ictalurus punctatus — Native catfish of MD non-tidal rivers, reservoirs, and farm ponds. Bottom-feeder that takes chicken liver, stinkbait, nightcrawlers, and cut bait. Most active at night and in warm water.
Prefers. Water 60–85°F (ideal 75°F) · either tide · depth 5–30 ft.
- Daily creel
- no limit
New Mexico: catfish limits vary by water; the San Juan and Animas have no bag or possession limit. Confirm the water.
Source: New Mexico non-tidal regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
Location Info
Water Body
Reservoir
Access
Pier, shore, and ramp
Jurisdiction
New Mexico non-tidal
Coordinates
Notes
NM: 5 black bass/day, 5 walleye/day, 15 crappie/day. Lake levels fluctuate hard — check ramp status.
Local reports & rules for Elephant Butte Reservoir: New Mexico Game & Fish fishing report → · trout stocking schedule → · fish-consumption advisories (EPA directory) →
Nearby Access Points
Frequently Asked
Do I need a fishing license to fish at Elephant Butte Reservoir?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at Elephant Butte Reservoir you need the appropriate state fishing license. See the agency's current rules: the state agency website
What fish are commonly targeted at Elephant Butte Reservoir?
Elephant Butte Reservoir is listed on this site for 5 commonly-targeted species: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Crappie, and 1 more. Which species is currently in season and which is scoring highest today is shown in the per-species ranking on this page.
When is the best time to fish at Elephant Butte Reservoir?
It depends more on the species and the day's conditions than on a fixed "best hour." Water temperature, weather, and — at tidal locations — the stage of the tide drive activity most. The per-species ranking on this page scores every target species at Elephant Butte Reservoir against today's live conditions, so the fish near the top are your best bets right now; check back as conditions change through the day.
What kind of access does Elephant Butte Reservoir have?
Elephant Butte Reservoir has multiple access types — pier, shoreline, and at least one public boat ramp. NM: 5 black bass/day, 5 walleye/day, 15 crappie/day. Lake levels fluctuate hard — check ramp status.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at Elephant Butte Reservoir?
state agency regulations apply at Elephant Butte Reservoir. Size limits, creel limits, and seasonal closures are listed per species on each species page. Always confirm against the agency source linked from each regulation block — emergency closures can take effect mid-season.
Is Elephant Butte Reservoir tidal water?
No. Elephant Butte Reservoir is non-tidal — water level varies with rainfall, seasonal flow, and (where applicable) upstream dam releases rather than tidal exchange.