By Mike Smith
Artesia Daily Press

Mother Nature is reminding anglers in southeast and southwest New Mexico that summer is officially around until Sept. 22. Fishing is good this weekend at lakes and streams, according to the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish.

In Lincoln County, Alto Lake remains closed due to extensive damage caused by the South Fork Fire that burned in June and July. The wildfire left significant impacts around the lake and a prolonged closure is in place for safety and restoration efforts.

Fishing for trout was fair using Panther Martin spinners at Bonito Lake, which reopened Aug. 30. Only fishing activities are allowed at Bonito Lake.

All city of Alamogordo properties along the Rio Bonito and Bonito Lake remained closed for recreational activities.

Fishing for trout was good using worms at Grindstone Lake.

Around Truth or Consequences, fishing for bass was good using crankbaits, drop-shot rigs and red-and-white Bomber lures at Elephant Butte Lake.

Fishing for white bass was good using slab spoons and chrome Kastmaster lures. Fishing for walleye was good using Wally Diver lures, chartreuse grubs and silver spinners.

Fishing for catfish was good using live minnows and shrimp.

Streamflow below Elephant Butte Dam along the Rio Grande on Tuesday morning was 919 cubic feet per second (cfs). Near Hatch, catfishing was good using shad.

Fishing for walleye was fair using green Wally Diver lures at Santa Rosa Lake.

The boat ramp remains closed until the lake returns to a safe level from monsoon rains and runoff from recent water releases. The lake remains open to non-motorized vessels.

Along the Pecos River near Fort Sumner, streamflow was 96 cfs Monday morning. Fishing for catfish was good using chicken breasts and cut bait.

Fishing for bass was fair using nightcrawler worms.

Around Carlsbad, fishing for catfish was fair to good when using cut bait and worms at Bataan Lake.

At Brantley Lake, fishing for bass was fair using Whooper Plopper lures.

Along Spring River Pond in Roswell, fishing for catfish was fair to good when using shrimp bait.

This fishing report, provided by the Department of Game and Fish in cooperation with Dustin Berg of www.gounlimited.org, has been generated from the best information available from area officers and anglers. Conditions encountered after the report is compiled may differ as stream, lake and weather conditions alter fish and angler activities.

Mike Smith can be reached via phone at 575-308-8734 or email at msmith@currentargus.com.