Elephant Butte Reservoir NM fishing forecast
Elephant Butte Reservoir NM is a freshwater fishing spot in New Mexico, United States. Anglers here target Largemouth Bass, Walleye, Channel Catfish, White Bass. The most productive months are typically February, March, April, May, October, November, December.
Current conditions
| Sea surface temp | 24.2 °C |
|---|---|
| Wind | 6 km/h from ESE |
| Pressure | 1004 hPa |
| Cloud cover | 0% |
The water is running true to season — within a few tenths of the July average of 24.2 °C for this location. The water is mixed to about 26.7 m, with the thermocline below that.
Last updated Jul 28, 2026 (UTC). Conditions refresh through the day.
What the score means at Elephant Butte Reservoir NM
Elephant Butte Reservoir NM currently scores 69 out of 100 (Good). Water temperature is 24.2 °C. 6 forecast signals are active in this score. As a rough guide, a score above ~65 reflects conditions experienced anglers would typically fish; below ~45, consider waiting for a better window or targeting different species. The score blends live weather and ocean signals and can change through the day.
Bite windows
Best months for Elephant Butte Reservoir NM:
About this spot
Lakes have no tide, so target structure, drop-offs, and seasonal thermoclines where fish concentrate by depth and temperature.
What you can catch
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Micropterus salmoides
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Sander vitreus
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Ictalurus punctatus
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Morone chrysops
Best months by species at Elephant Butte Reservoir NM
| Largemouth BassMicropterus salmoides | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WalleyeSander vitreus | ||||||||||||
| Channel CatfishIctalurus punctatus | ||||||||||||
| White BassMorone chrysops |
Months reflect typical catchability by species at this latitude; local seasons and closures apply.
Local regulations
| Species | Bag limit | Min size | Open season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth BassWarm Water Size and Bag Limits | 5/day, 10 in possession | min 35.6 cm | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| Five fish daily across black bass, with a 14-inch minimum for largemouth and spotted bass (smallmouth is 12 inches on most waters). Trophy Bass Waters — Lake Roberts, Clayton Lake and Bill Evans Lake — are reduced to 2 per day at 14 inches or longer, and spearfishing and bow fishing for largemouth there is prohibited. | |||
| WalleyeWarm Water Size and Bag Limits | 5/day, 10 in possession | — | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| Possession limit is twice the daily bag, as it is for every New Mexico warm-water species. | |||
| White BassWarm Water Size and Bag Limits | 25/day, 50 in possession | — | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| Twenty-five daily, counted together with hybrid striped bass (wipers). | |||
| Channel CatfishWarm Water Size and Bag Limits | 15/day, 30 in possession | — | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| Fifteen daily across all catfish species except bullheads. TWO EXCEPTIONS THAT MATTER FOR THIS SITE: in the Animas and San Juan rivers in San Juan County there are no bag or possession limits at all, and on the listed Special Summer Catfish Waters the limit drops to 2 per day. | |||
Licensing:
- freshwater-recreational — residents Resident annual fishing $35.00. Junior annual (12–17) $5.00. Senior annual (65–69) $8.00. Age 70 and older free. One-day $12.00, five-day $30.00., non-residents Non-resident annual fishing $90.00. Junior annual (12–17) $20.00. One-day $12.00, five-day $30.00.
FishRadar regulations are summaries for informational purposes only. New Mexico layers Special Trout Waters, Trophy Bass Waters and Special Summer Catfish Waters over the statewide limits shown here, and several of them apply to waters on this site. Always check the water-specific pages of the current New Mexico Fishing Rules & Information before you fish.
Check Elephant Butte Reservoir NM before you go
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Nearby spots
Explore 5 more fishing spots within 590 km of Elephant Butte Reservoir NM.
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Saguaro Lake AZ
San Juan River NM
Lake Powell AZ
Lake Powell Utah
Blue Mesa Reservoir CO
Frequently asked questions
What fish can you catch at Elephant Butte Reservoir NM?
Anglers at Elephant Butte Reservoir NM target Largemouth Bass, Walleye, Channel Catfish and White Bass.
When is the best time to fish Elephant Butte Reservoir NM?
The most productive months at Elephant Butte Reservoir NM are typically February, March, April, May, October, November, December.
What is the fishing forecast for Elephant Butte Reservoir NM right now?
Elephant Butte Reservoir NM currently scores 69 out of 100, based on live ocean and weather conditions — see the full breakdown on this page.
Do you need a licence to fish Elephant Butte Reservoir NM?
Fishing at Elephant Butte Reservoir NM follows the local rules for New Mexico, United States. Bag limits, size limits, seasons and licence requirements are summarised in the Local regulations section above, with a link to the official authority.
Fishing guides for this spot
- How to Catch Largemouth BassHow to Catch WalleyeBest Time of Day to Fish
Scores and conditions are forecasts for guidance only and can change rapidly. Always check local rules and current conditions, follow all fishing regulations, and prioritise your safety on the water.