Top 10 Freshwater Fish to Catch in New Mexico
Top 10 Species
These are the fish that get noticed by FishyAF anglers. Click any species to deep dive and learn more.
1
Largemouth Bass
Verified
World Record
22 lb 4 oz
Manabu Kurita / 2009
Lake Biwa, Japan
Manabu Kurita / 2009
Lake Biwa, Japan
Signature Fact
High-speed videos show they snap their mouth fully open in about 30 milliseconds, vacuuming prey from 3 inches.
2
Smallmouth Bass
Verified
World Record
11 lb 15 oz
David L. Hayes / 1955
Dale Hollow Lake, Tennessee
David L. Hayes / 1955
Dale Hollow Lake, Tennessee
Signature Fact
In winter, they huddle in massive "sleep piles"-hundreds nose-to-current, barely twitching for weeks.
3
Rainbow Trout
Verified
World Record
48 lb 0 oz
Sean Konrad / 2009
Lake Diefenbaker, Saskatchewan
Sean Konrad / 2009
Lake Diefenbaker, Saskatchewan
Signature Fact
Siblings from one nest can grow up as 8-inch creek fish or 20‑plus‑pound ocean‑run steelhead, then spawn together.
4
Channel Catfish
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
58 lb 0 oz
Charles Ashley / 1964
Santee-Cooper Reservoir, South Carolina
Charles Ashley / 1964
Santee-Cooper Reservoir, South Carolina
Signature Fact
With over 100,000 taste buds, its whole skin acts like a tongue hunting through muddy darkness.
5
Yellow Walleye
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
25 lb 0 oz
Mabry Harper / 1960
Old Hickory Lake, Tennessee
Mabry Harper / 1960
Old Hickory Lake, Tennessee
Signature Fact
Those glassy eyes pack a mirror-layered retina that lets them hunt in near-darkness-and glow under headlamps.
6
Bluegill
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
4 lb 12 oz
T.S. Hudson / 1950
Ketona Lake, Alabama
T.S. Hudson / 1950
Ketona Lake, Alabama
Signature Fact
Males come in three types-nest-building dads, lightning-fast sneakers, and full-on female mimics that steal fertilizations.
7
Brown Trout
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
44 lb 5 oz
Seumas Petrie / 2020
Ohau Canal, Twizel, New Zealand
Seumas Petrie / 2020
Ohau Canal, Twizel, New Zealand
Signature Fact
Brown trout have been filmed snatching low-flying bats off the water-night monsters with a mammal habit.
8
Common Carp
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
75 lb 11 oz
Colin Smith / 2013
Lac de Saint-Cassien, France
Colin Smith / 2013
Lac de Saint-Cassien, France
Signature Fact
They remember being hooked for over a year, dodging that same rig and flavor like seasoned veterans.
9
Northern Pike
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
55 lb 1 oz
Lothar Louis / 1986
Lake of Grefeern, Germany
Lothar Louis / 1986
Lake of Grefeern, Germany
Signature Fact
Unlike most fish, they launch with an S-start burst-arrow-straight acceleration that nails prey with sniper precision.
10
Kokanee Salmon
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
9 lb 6 oz
Gerald E. Waddell / 2010
Okanagan Lake, British Columbia
Gerald E. Waddell / 2010
Okanagan Lake, British Columbia
Signature Fact
The kokanee all-tackle record hit 9 lb 10 oz-monstrous heft for a fish that sifts zooplankton.
FAQs
What fish can you catch in New Mexico?
You’ll find largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, channel catfish, yellow walleye, bluegill, brown trout, and common carp in New Mexico’s freshwater.
What is the best time of year to fish in New Mexico?
Spring and fall bring the most action for bass and trout in New Mexico's freshwater.
Where are the best places to fish in New Mexico?
New Mexico’s freshwater lakes and rivers hold the state’s top bass, trout, and catfish fishing. Look for spots with a mix of cover and depth.
What gear do you need for fishing in New Mexico?
Medium spinning or baitcasting setups cover most species here, from bass to trout. Bring strong line for catfish and versatile lures for variety.
What are the easiest fish to catch in New Mexico?
Bluegill and channel catfish tend to be the most accessible in New Mexico’s freshwater, with common carp also giving steady action.
