Trout of Southeastern NM

Don’t overlook southeastern waters when seeking some fabulous trout fishing.

Many southeastern New Mexico anglers limit their efforts to hook a trout to the winter months when rainbows are stocked in small urban lakes. But, for those willing to take a drive into the mountains, yearlong opportunities exist to wet a line for these coldwater fish.

Although limited, 12-month trout fishing opportunities exist at a couple locations in the cool pines of the Sacramento Mountains, where the Village of Ruidoso owns and operates a couple small reservoirs for use as municipal water supplies: Grindstone and Alto.

Located southwest of Ruidoso and west of Carrizo Canyon, Grindstone Reservoir has been stocked with rainbow trout by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish for many years. This reservoir has remained a hot spot for trout fishing, despite water being drawn down so a liner could be placed on the dam to resolve the problem of numerous leaks.

That work was completed last fall and the reservoir’s water level is rising. Trout fishing has remained good-to-excellent and the stocking of rainbow trout continues, including during the summer months, provided water conditions remain stable and favorable for trout.

And, if rainbow trout aren’t among your favorite meals for dinner, Grindstone also contains a healthy population of channel catfish, smallmouth bass and bluegills.

While Grindstone has been open to fishing for many years, Alto Reservoir has not. It wasn’t until 2015 that this water welcomed anglers.

The reservoir approximately 4 ½ miles north of Ruidoso off Route 48 now is being stocked by the department. Initially stocked with channel catfish, Alto subsequently has received rainbow trout.

Alto had not been open to the public for many years, but last year the department worked with the Village of Ruidoso to open the lake and start stocking fish.

Roddy Griego, director of the Ruidoso Parks and Recreation Department said the village has big plans for Alto Reservoir. The village owns a couple of hundred acres east of the lake and plans to put in hiking trails and expand outdoor-related activities.

The latest fishing reports indicate that trout fishing at both lakes has been good and anglers continue to catch trout using typical baits: various colors of Power Bait, salmon eggs, worms and small lures, including Panther Martins and Kast Masters.

Don’t overlook the opportunities to catch a pan-sized channel catfish at Grindstone, where hoop-net surveys suggest a robust population. Worms, stink bait and chicken liver should work. Anglers wanting to catch bluegills in Grindstone should try worms, wax worms and small curly-tailed grubs.

The daily bag limits are five trout, 15 catfish and 20 bluegills. Fishing at Grindstone is allowed from sunrise to 10 p.m. and nonmotorized boating is allowed from April 1 to Oct. 31. A boating permit is required and can be obtained at the Ruidoso Parks and Recreation Office. Fishing at Alto Reservoir is allowed from sunrise to sunset; no boating allowed. Fishing licenses are required for all anglers ages 12 and older.

Bonito Lake, owned by the City of Alamogordo, remains closed due to the after effects of the 2012 Little Bear Fire. Work is scheduled to start on the lake in the fall. The lake will be drained and dredged to remove ash and debris and work on the dam will also be completed.

City of Alamogordo officials hope to reopen the lake to the public sometime in 2018.

The next time you decide to head to the cool pines of Ruidoso, throw in a fishing pole or two and try some trout fishing at one of the reservoirs.

For more information about Grindstone or Alto, contact the Village of Ruidoso, 1-877-RUIDOSO (784-3676) or (575) 257-7395.