10000 bountyWell the fishing has picked up to the point that I have something to report each week..
the lake levels are slightly above last years levels so we should have a favorable year..
the water has been warming to the low-mid 060’s so the fish are starting to move up the bank
We have had more than our fair share of wind for the last few weeks.. so be carful to watch the weather reports

white bass are starting to get active. some days are great then the next day is not.. so you just gotta get out there.
Drifting with live shiners as well as trolling with White crank baits are the early season standard. No reports of jiggin’ or night fishing yet.

The Crappie have made a strong start this season. Around the marinas (especially Dam Site) with Fathead minnows at 15 – 20 feet down.
also on the east side around most any structure. The Crappie also have been moving up the banks with warmer water so don’t be afraid to fish a little shallow.

Large and small mouth bass have been strong this year on creature baits off of main lake points using creature baits. the have been showing up in shallow waters also..

No reports on Walleye or Catfish yet..

The Elephant Butte Chamber of Commerce is putting up a $10,000 bounty for anyone that can catch the NM State Record Small mouth bass. In coordination with NM Game and Fish, the challenge will go from May 1st through September 30th 2022. The current record to beat is 7lbs-3oz.
Packages with details are available on the Chamber website, chamber office or any of the fishing stores in Elephant Butte. Or if you respond to this post or just call, we can email you a scanned copy of the package. All normal fishing regulations will apply. You WILL need a current NM fishing license. You will need to get the fish weighed with a “Certified” scale.
Yea, we have a certified scale here at the Butte General Store..
Now lets talk about how to care for the fish… Most of you know how important it is to use good conservation practices as a responsible sportsmen. If you catch a possible 7lb or better Small Mouth, call Butte General Store as soon as you can– 575-744-0008. We will get ready for you to arrive and get it weighed and back to the lake. Remember, we are closed on Mondays. If you do not have the capability of getting the fish up here alive, we might can schedule to meet you at the ramp.. Please equip yourself with a suitable scale in your boat, that way we don’t risk killing a fish that does not comply…

If you have questions, call the EB Chamber of Commerce. 575-952-0912. Or myself or Wayne at 575-744-0008

Stephanie has the big ol’ gut-grenade burritos from Casa Taco on Fri, Sat & Sunday mornings.. come getcha’ one… when there gone, there gone..

Tell mama that you gotta’ go fishin’

come see us…

bob

“Without fishing, there would be no conservation. Without conservation there would be no fish ” think about it…