Fishing the Day Away in Ruidoso

Gone fishin’ by a shady wady pool
I’m wishin’ I could be that kinda fool
I’d say no more work for mine on my door I’d hang a sign
Gone fishin’ Instead of just a wishin’

There’s been a lot of cultural changes since Bing Crosby and Louis Armstrong sang that song in 1951, but there’s no denying the “lure” of fishing still draws people to lakes and rivers across the country.

Ruidoso and Lincoln County are no exception, but with the monsoon rains coming a little late this year, lake and river levels are pretty low. “Normally we have these dry cycles, some years it’s worse than others,” said Shawn Benny, Fishery Biologist with the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish in Roswell. “It depends on water use and local climates and rainfall.”
There’s really only three good spots in Lincoln County to fish – The Rio Ruidoso, Alto Lake and Grindstone Reservoir.

Benny said the Ruidoso River isn’t being stocked with rainbow trout this summer due to low levels, but there’s still plenty of brown trout that survive drout years in the deeper shaded pools.

At Alto, Game and Fish have been able to stock Alto Lake with channel catfish. In fact, a young angler from Roswell got himself a 30-incher in early July using salmon eggs.

Grindstone is one of the places Game and Fish have been able to stock rainbow trout, the last stocking taking place about two weeks ago.

The most popular and largest fishery in Lincoln County – Bonito Lake – is still unusable due to runoff from the Little Bear Fire in 2012. Work on the lake is expected to continue for a couple of more years and not expected to be re-opened to the public until 2018.

There are several other smaller streams throughout the area to fish, such as Bonito, Carrizo and Eagle Creeks, all which contain native brown trout. These are smaller watersheds that serve as fish nurseries, so catch and release is required.

All fishing at these lakes and rivers requires one day, five day or annual state licenses, which can be purchased at Walmart in Ruidoso Downs and Western Auto in Ruidoso.

The state’s weekly fishing and stocking report can also be viewed at http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/fishing/weekly-report/.

Beyond Lincoln County
Outside of the Lincoln National Forest, there’s Mescalero, Eagle and Silver Lakes, all on the Mescalero Reservation. Fishing at these areas require a special permit from the tribe, which can be purchased at offices located at each lake. Mescalero Lake is located at the Inn of the Mountain Gods resort, and daily permits can be bought at the front desk.

Private Waters
Ponds and lakes which don’t require a state fishing license, but do require paid access to the waters, are also available. Seeping Springs is probably the most popular, located along Highway 70 about four miles east of the Ruidoso Downs Race Track. For more information, call 575-378-4216. Ranch Sosegado is located in Bent, about 24 miles west of Ruidoso off Highway 70. It is open every weekend and weekdays by appointment. Call 575-671-4580.

—Todd Fuqua