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Elephant Butte Reservoir

New Mexico
44.15 km²
33.2386, -107.1748
12 species
NHD 138520029
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Imagery © Esri
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About Elephant Butte Reservoir

Elephant Butte Reservoir is a natural lake or pond in New Mexico, United States. It covers approximately 44.15 km² (10908 acres). The lake centroid is located at 33.2386° N, 107.1748° W. 12 fish species are commonly found in waters like this one, including 2 introduced species. Lake boundary and identifier come from the USGS National Hydrography Dataset.

At a glance

Best season
October – April
Cooler months fish best in the south
Natural lake
Large
Room for multiple techniques
Species diversity
Diverse
12 species in this region
Access
Public waterbody
Check New Mexico fishing regulations

Weather at Elephant Butte Reservoir

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Best fishing times today

Day length: 11h 41m
Dawn12:42
Sunrise13:07
Sunset00:48
Dusk01:13

Bite windows today

  • Dawn12:12 – 14:07Excellent
  • Morning14:07 – 18:57Good
  • Midday18:57 – 21:48Calm
  • Afternoon21:48 – 23:48Good
  • Dusk23:48 – 01:43Excellent
  • Night01:43 – 12:12Good
Moon: 13% · waning↑ 10:07

Fish species

Species data comes from GBIF and is refreshed by donors.Support this →

Showing 12 of 12 species

Gear & tips for rainbow trout

Rod
5- to 7-weight fly rod
Sage X
Vision XO
Loop Q
Reel
5/6-weight fly reel
Mainline
WF-5/6 floating line + intermediate
Leader
Tapered + 0.20 mm tippet
Lures / bait
  • Streamers
  • Egg patterns
  • Nymphs
  • Dry flies
  • Boobies
Find fly fishing gear at Sportfish
Season
April–November (put-and-take year-round)
Time of day
All day
Tip

Put-and-take fishing is common. Vary your depth. Popular Swedish waters: Bunn, Sommen and many small stocked put-and-take ponds.

Full guide

Plan your trip to Elephant Butte Reservoir

Everything you need before you launch — license, regulations, and current water conditions.

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Water conditions & levels
USGS gauge data near Elephant Butte Reservoir
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Frequently asked questions

What fish species live in Elephant Butte Reservoir?

Species you can expect in or near Elephant Butte Reservoir include Rainbow Trout, Crappie, Blue Catfish, Flathead Catfish, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, and others. The list is based on species present in New Mexico waters and GBIF occurrence records.

How big is Elephant Butte Reservoir?

Elephant Butte Reservoir covers approximately 44.15 square kilometres (10908 acres), based on the USGS National Hydrography Dataset.

Where is Elephant Butte Reservoir located?

Elephant Butte Reservoir is located in New Mexico, United States, with its centroid at 33.2386°, -107.1748°.

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Data sources: USGS National Hydrography Dataset · GBIF