FISHING IN CATRON COUNTY
Although the Gila is relatively dry, fishing opportunities can be found in many miles of perennial creeks and rivers as well as in manmade lakes. Some of the more common sport fish found in these waters include Rainbow and Brown Trout, Large and Small Mouth Bass as well as Channel and Flathead Catfish. Many native fish are also found in the streams on the Gila, several of these, such as the Gila Trout are considered threatened or endangered. Recovery efforts are underway to help establish fishable populations of the Gila Trout.
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The Gila offers both lake and stream fishing.
Lake Fishing
Lake fishing on the Gila National Forest is limited to three manmade lakes, the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF) stock all with rainbow trout in fall, winter and spring months. Quemado lake and Snow lake offer year round trout fishing and Lake Roberts offers trout fishing during the cooler months and warm water fishing for channel catfish and small mouth bass during the summer months. There are an additional three lakes, Bear Canyon Reservoir, Wall Lake, and Bill Evans Lake located adjacent to the Forest that are leased by the NMDGF where the public is welcome to fish. Follow this link to the NM Game and Fish weekly fishing report for lakes in southwestern New Mexico.
Stream Fishing
The Gila National Forest contains many miles of streams that provide both cold and warm water fishing opportunities. Both the Gila River and the San Francisco River along with their many tributaries are located within the Forest. Upper reaches and headwater tributaries of both rivers offer trout fishing, the lower reaches of both rivers offer quality warm water fishing opportunities.
Fishing licenses are required in New Mexico. Anglers fishing on lakes and streams on National Forest lands are also required to purchase a Habitat Improvement Stamp.These are available from various vendors within and around the Gila National Forest and from the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (www.gmfsh.state.nm.us), Main Office, State Capital, Santa Fe, NM 87501 - Phone (505) 827-7911. Please note that the 'taking' of endangered species is illegal.
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