Im going out to El Paso for about a month starting Friday for work. Is there any decent places to fish within an hours drive? Im looking for any kind of fishing. Im a saltwater fisherman, but like catching largemouth also. Im a flyfisherman too, are there any good trout rivers around? What about up in New Mexico? I know ill have to get a NM license but itll be worth it for some nice fish. Thanks for any info.
Jeff H

I also have a kayak im thinking about taking. so im not limited to bank fishing.

I used to live in Las Cruces (about 1 hr north on I-10 from El Paso) and let me tell you there isn�t much. Here are your VERY limited options:

1. Fish along the Rio Grande north and south of El Paso. This may be not worth it considering the river has been dry very recently. I talked to my Dad in Las Cruces this weekend and he said the river does have water in it right now. I have caught bass in this river before and I know the catfish can grow very large.
2. Drive up to Elephant Butte lake in New Mexico. Take I-10 north to I-25. Then take I-25 north to Truth or Consequences(about 1.3 hours one way). The lake is a little low, but it does have decent fishing. From shore you can catch bass, sunfish and cats. White bass and stripers can also be caught. Another possible option is Caballo Lake. It is just south of Elephant Butte on I-25. Fish the southern side of the lake by the dam or just beneath the dam on the river. This used to be a good crappie lake, but it has since become almost dry and I�m sure the fishery has suffered.
3. Drive over to Linda Lake (in Texas) near the Guadalupe Mountains National Park. I�ve never fished here, but it might be good. Anyone know?
4. There might be some local ponds, city lakes in El Paso, but I seriously doubt it. I know a couple in Las Cruces so email me if you are desperate and I�ll send you directions.
5. Travel in the Gila national Forest in New Mexico. Take I-10 north and eventually west to Deming, NM (my home town) and then head north towards Silver City. Check a map for more detailed directions. This would be 2+ hour drive from El Paso (one way) There are several lakes up in these mountains (Bear Canyon, Lake Roberts, Bill Evans lake) as well as streams and rivers that CAN contain fish depending on water levels. I fished these areas quite a bit as a kid and can provide more info if you need it. Bass, trout, pan fish are all common.

Rainbow Trout can be found in almost all NM waters. Most of the places I listed are good Day trips or weekend trips. A side benefit is the scenery because usually pretty and the weather this time of year is exceptional as long as the wind doesn�t start blowing. Don�t expect much in terms of fishing, that is the desert, but fish can be had. Good Luck and let me know if you have questions.

FatCat

So Golf it is...lol. Thanks alot for the info. I didnt think there were goign to be many places to fish but if i have enough time ill definatly try a couple place you recommended. Thanks again.
Jeff H.

I unfortunately have lived in El Paso for the last three years. After spending my entire life along the gulf then in the awesome northeast texas area I am still going through withdrawals from the lack of fishing. The river is pretty low, I don't know of any fishing possible there. There are no local places in El Paso other than Ascarate park which has a small lake stocked with rainbows every so often. Not worth it due to the crowds and not very safe in the evenings. Las cruces is a beautiful town but the lakes I know of there are completely dry. Elephant Butte is a great lake for striper fishing and a guide trip would be a great option for you. They are pretty cheap and they do catch some big striper. Ruidoso New Mexico has quite a few stock lakes for rainbows and several streams that are fun fly fishing. I have caught tons of rainbows in Ruidoso. All stock fish though. Basically if you love golf, you have a lot more options. The desert sucks.

Dude the desrt rocks
just go to the mountians with your fly rod and work the trout.I grew up in southern Az and I love it out there.