Photo Credit: Far Flung Adventures

1. Abiquiu Reservoir:

   Located in northern New Mexico, Abiquiu Reservoir is renowned for its serene beauty and excellent fishing opportunities. Anglers can target various species such as largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, catfish, and crappie. The best lures to use include crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and soft plastics. Fishing is optimal during spring and fall, with the largest recorded bass caught in May 2022, weighing 7.5 pounds.

2. Bluewater Lake:

   Situated in the Zuni Mountains, Bluewater Lake is a picturesque destination for SUP fishing. The lake is famous for its trophy-sized tiger muskie, offering an exciting challenge for anglers. Other species present include rainbow trout, catfish, and bass. Top lures to consider are swimbaits, jerkbaits, and spoons. Spring and fall provide the best fishing conditions, with the largest tiger muskie caught in October 2021, weighing 34 pounds.

3. Caballo Lake:

   Located along the Rio Grande, Caballo Lake boasts abundant fishing opportunities. Anglers can target largemouth bass, white bass, walleye, crappie, and catfish. Effective lures include jigs, plastic worms, and topwater lures. The optimal time to fish is during spring and early summer. The largest recorded largemouth bass catch occurred in June 2023, weighing 8.2 pounds.

4. Cochiti Lake:

   Nestled in the stunning Jemez Mountains, Cochiti Lake offers a tranquil setting for SUP fishing. The lake is home to largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, catfish, and crappie. Anglers have found success using spinnerbaits, plastic worms, and jigs. Fishing is productive in spring and fall, with the largest smallmouth bass recorded in September 2022, weighing 5.9 pounds.

5. Conchas Lake:

   Conchas Lake, located in eastern New Mexico, is a hidden gem for SUP fishing. Anglers can target largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, crappie, and catfish. Effective lures include crankbaits, jigs, and spinnerbaits. The best time to fish is during spring and fall. The largest recorded walleye catch occurred in May 2023, weighing 6.8 pounds.

6. Eagle Nest Lake:

   Nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Eagle Nest Lake offers breathtaking scenery and excellent fishing opportunities. This alpine lake is known for its trophy-sized trout, including rainbow trout, brown trout, and kokanee salmon. Popular lures and bait include spoons, PowerBait, and spinners. Spring and fall are the prime fishing seasons, with the largest recorded rainbow trout caught in September 2021, weighing 12.5 pounds.

7. El Vado Lake:

   Located in the Carson National Forest, El Vado Lake is a serene fishing spot. Anglers can target smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, northern pike, walleye, and catfish. Recommended lures include jerkbaits, soft plastics, and spinnerbaits. Fishing is productive in spring and fall, with the largest recorded northern pike caught in June 2022, measuring 41 inches.

8. Elephant Butte Lake:

   Spanning over 36,000 acres, Elephant Butte Lake is New Mexico's largest reservoir and offers exceptional SUP fishing opportunities. Anglers can pursue largemouth bass, white bass, walleye, crappie, and catfish. Effective lures include crankbaits, jigs, and swimbaits. Fishing is optimal during spring and fall. The largest recorded white bass catch occurred in April 2023, weighing 3.4 pounds.

9. Fenton Lake:

   
   
   

   Nestled in the Jemez Mountains, Fenton Lake is a scenic gem for SUP fishing. The lake is primarily stocked with rainbow trout, making it an ideal spot for anglers targeting this species. Recommended lures and bait include PowerBait, spoons, and spinners. Fishing is excellent from spring through early fall, with the largest recorded rainbow trout caught in June 2022, weighing 4.8 pounds.

10. Heron Lake:

    Surrounded by lush forests and picturesque mountains, Heron Lake is a pristine fishing destination in northern New Mexico. Anglers can target kokanee salmon, rainbow trout, brown trout, and smallmouth bass. Popular lures and bait include spoons, PowerBait, and swimbaits. The best time to fish is from spring to early summer. The largest recorded kokanee salmon catch occurred in July 2022, weighing 3.2 pounds.

11. Navajo Lake:

    Stretching across the New Mexico-Colorado border, Navajo Lake is a vast reservoir renowned for its SUP fishing opportunities. Anglers can pursue largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, crappie, and catfish. Recommended lures include jigs, crankbaits, and swimbaits. Fishing is productive from spring through fall. The largest recorded smallmouth bass catch occurred in August 2022, weighing 6.1 pounds.

12. Pecos River:

    The Pecos River offers excellent fishing opportunities, especially in the upper reaches near Pecos, New Mexico. Anglers can target rainbow trout, brown trout, and cutthroat trout. Popular lures and bait include flies, spinners, and worms. Fishing is optimal from spring through fall. The largest recorded brown trout catch occurred in September 2022, weighing 4.6 pounds.

13. Rio Grande:

    The iconic Rio Grande presents anglers with an array of fishing options throughout its New Mexico stretch. Fish species include smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, walleye, catfish, and trout. Effective lures include jigs, crankbaits, and soft plastics. Fishing can be productive year-round, with the largest recorded smallmouth bass catch occurring in July 2022, weighing 5.3 pounds.

14. Santa Rosa Lake:

    Nestled in the eastern plains of New Mexico, Santa Rosa Lake is a hidden gem for SUP fishing enthusiasts. Anglers can target largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, and catfish. Recommended lures include crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and jigs. Fishing is excellent from spring through fall. The largest recorded largemouth bass catch occurred in June 2022, weighing 6.7 pounds.

15. Storrie Lake:

    Located near Las Vegas, New Mexico, Storrie Lake is a small yet productive fishing spot. Anglers can pursue rainbow trout, largemouth bass, and catfish. Popular lures and bait include flies, spinners, and worms. Fishing is optimal from spring through fall. The largest recorded rainbow trout catch occurred in May 2022, weighing 3.1 pounds.

16. Ute Lake:

    Situated in northeastern New Mexico, Ute Lake is a popular SUP fishing destination. Anglers can target largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, crappie, and catfish. Effective lures include jigs, crankbaits, and soft plastics. Fishing is productive from spring through fall. The largest recorded crappie catch occurred in June 2023, weighing 2.7 pounds.

17. Villanueva State Park:

    Nestled along the Pecos River, Villanueva State Park is a picturesque setting for SUP fishing. Anglers can target rainbow trout, brown trout, and catfish. Popular lures and bait include flies, spinners, and worms. Fishing is excellent from spring through fall. The largest recorded brown trout catch occurred in July 2022, weighing 3.9 pounds.

18. Ute Creek:

    Flowing through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Ute Creek is a scenic destination for SUP fishing. Anglers can target rainbow trout, brown trout, and cutthroat trout. Effective lures include flies, spinners, and worms. Fishing is excellent from spring through fall. The largest recorded rainbow trout catch occurred in August 2022, weighing 2.9 pounds.

19. Clayton Lake State Park:

    Situated in northeastern New Mexico, Clayton Lake State Park offers SUP fishing in a serene environment. Anglers can pursue largemouth bass, walleye, catfish, and crappie. Recommended lures include jigs, crankbaits, and soft plastics. Fishing is optimal from spring through fall. The largest recorded largemouth bass catch occurred in July 2022, weighing 5.6 pounds.

Conclusion:

New Mexico's breathtaking landscapes and abundant fishing opportunities make it a haven for SUP fishing enthusiasts. These 20 locations offer exceptional angling experiences, each with its unique appeal. From trophy-sized trout in alpine lakes to bass and catfish in reservoirs and rivers, New Mexico has something for every angler. Remember to check local regulations and licenses before embarking on your SUP fishing adventure and respect the natural surroundings. Tight lines and happy fishing!

Glide Paddle Boards SUP Fishing Tips & More!

Paddle board fishing a comprehensive guide. 

Sup fishing tips for bass. 

The Glide O2 Angler. Fishing sup board perfect for your next fishing adventure. Glide makes the right paddle board for all your paddle boarding adventures.

Paddle board fishing is an exciting and rewarding activity that combines the serenity of paddle boarding with the thrill of fishing. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced angler, here's a comprehensive guide to help you get started and make the most of your paddle board fishing adventures.

1. Can You Fish from a SUP? Yes, you can definitely fish from a stand-up paddle board (SUP). In fact, paddle boards designed specifically for fishing, known as fishing SUPs or fishing paddle boards, are available in the market. These boards are stable, feature fishing-specific accessories, and are designed to accommodate the needs of anglers.

2. What is a Fishing SUP? A fishing SUP is a specialized paddle board designed for fishing. It typically has additional features like built-in rod holders, mounting points for accessories like fish finders or GPS units, and extra stability to ensure a comfortable and secure fishing experience. Fishing SUPs often have wider decks and higher weight capacities to accommodate fishing gear and the angler's movements.

3. What do I need to start sup fishing? To start SUP fishing, you'll need the following essentials:

   • Fishing SUP: Choose a paddle board specifically designed for fishing, like the Glide O2 Angler mentioned earlier. Ensure it offers stability, ample space for gear, and the necessary fishing accessories.

   • Paddle: Select a paddle suitable for your height and paddling style. Adjustable paddles are convenient, allowing you to customize the length based on your preferences.

   • Personal Flotation Device (PFD): It's crucial to wear a PFD for safety, especially when fishing from a paddle board.

   • Fishing Gear: Bring your fishing rod and reel, along with appropriate tackle and bait for your target species.

   • Anchoring System: A small anchor or stake-out pole will help you stay in position while fishing.

   • Cooler or Storage Crate: Carry a cooler or storage crate to keep your catch, drinks, and snacks secure and fresh.

   • Safety Gear: Pack essentials like a whistle, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and a first aid kit.

4. Landing fish while SUP fishing: Tips and techniques: Landing fish while paddle board fishing requires some technique. Here are a few tips to help you successfully land your catches:

   • Keep your balance: Maintain a stable and balanced stance on your paddle board while reeling in a fish.

   • Use a net: A fishing net will make it easier to land your catch without losing it in the water.

   • Be patient and gentle: Avoid sudden movements that may startle the fish or cause it to break free.

   • Secure your paddle: Place your paddle in a secure location on your board or use a paddle holder to keep your hands free while handling the fish.

   • Maintain control: Keep tension on the line and control the fish's movements to prevent it from escaping or capsizing your board.

   • Practice catch and release: If you're not planning to keep the fish, handle it carefully and release it gently back into the water.

5. Fishing from a Paddle Board: Tips and Tricks for a Successful Experience! fishing on a SUP, consider the following tips:

   • Locate habitat:

   • Use stealthy approaches: Paddle quietly and avoid unnecessary disturbances to prevent scaring away the fish.

   • Choose the right lures: Opt for lures that mimic the fish's natural prey, such as soft plastics, crankbaits, or topwater lures.

   • Experiment with retrieval techniques: Vary your retrieval speeds and patterns to entice the fish to strike.

   • Stay observant: Keep an eye out for signs of activity, such as splashing, ripples, or jumping fish, to determine where they are feeding.

6. Beginners Tips for SUP Fishing If you're new to SUP fishing, consider these tips to enhance your experience:

   • Start in calm waters: Begin your SUP fishing journey in calm and protected waters to build your confidence and improve your balance.

   • Practice paddling and casting: Spend time getting comfortable with paddling while also practicing your casting techniques before venturing into more challenging conditions.

   • Start with short trips: Begin with shorter fishing trips to avoid fatigue and gradually increase your time on the water as your skills and stamina improve.

   • Check weather and water conditions: Always check the weather forecast and water conditions before heading out. Avoid strong winds, rough waters, or hazardous conditions.

   • Stay hydrated and sun-protected: Bring plenty of water, wear sunscreen, and protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat, sunglasses, and appropriate clothing.

In addition to paddle board fishing, if you're interested in wildlife tips, the blog mentioned earlier offers a beginner's guide to bird watching. We also have an article on stand-up paddle boarding and wildlife encounters, providing insights on encountering wildlife while paddle boarding.

For paddle boarding enthusiasts, we have provided a comprehensive guide called "The Best Places to Paddle Board in the United States," which offers recommendations for paddle boarding locations in every state. If you're looking for international paddle boarding destinations, they have two articles: "Ultimate Guide on Finding Places to Paddle Board Near You" and "Epic Spots Globally To Paddle Board" which highlight exciting locations for paddle boarding worldwide.

Remember to always prioritize safety, respect local fishing regulations, and have a great time exploring the waters while paddle board fishing!