Guide To The Best Fishing Spots For Catfish In New Mexico

All about fishing for flathead, blue and channel catfish in NM.

You can find catfish in the vast majority of waters throughout New Mexico. Rivers, ponds and small lakes are likely places to locate catfish. The major lakes with healthy populations of catfish include Abiquiu Reservoir, Brantley Lake, Caballo Lake, Clayton Lake, Conchas Lake, Elephant Butte Lake, Farmington Lake, Navajo Lake, Red Bluff Reservoir, Santa Rosa Lake, Sumner Lake and Ute Lake.

Click the images and links above for species details.

What's the best bait for catfish in New Mexico?

Choose from the top 5 all-time catfish baits and try them on local waters. Appealing to the keen sense of smell and taste could turn a so-so day into a memorable event.

New Mexico State Record Catfish

The state record channel catfish was caught from Stubblefield Lake.

The state record flathead catfish came from Elephant Butte Lake.

The state record blue catfish came out of Elephant Butte Lake.

There are many species of catfish and even more ways to catch them. Adults range in size from less than a pound to hundreds of pounds. Catfish are found in all types of water including ponds, streams, lakes and rivers throughout New Mexico. There are even species which spend a limited amount of time on dry land. Big giant catfish put up a very noble fight once hooked.

Most catfish are considered bottom feeders to one extent or another. They will generally eat anything that can get in their mouth. Their strongest sense is smell which they use to locate potential food sources. Capitalizing on this sense is the primary weapon in your search for these creatures. Aggressive catfish have been caught on most types of fast moving bass lures so don't under estimate their ability to catch live bait.

New Mexico catfish fishing video.

In this video Kris Flores and his daughter Isa, fish for catfish at Elephant Butte Lake.

Additional catfishing information resources.

Catfish Conservation Group

U.S. Catfish Anglers Tournaments

Planet Catfish

Information for states with catfish.