Fishing Your Way Through New Mexico
By Mathew “Matty” Gonzales, Founder of 505 Anglers LLC
I’m a proud New Mexican, father, husband, and lifelong angler. I founded 505 Anglers LLC to help people reconnect with the outdoors in a way that feels welcoming, educational, and rooted in tradition. I’ve also proudly served as a contracted Aquatic Educator with the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, delivering hands-on fishing education across the state.
From quiet sunrises over the beautiful Rio Grande to unforgettable moments with kids learning to cast for the first time, I’ve witnessed how our waters become powerful spaces for healing, learning, and pride, especially for communities that haven’t always felt included.
Our Land, Our Water, Our Stories
Fishing in New Mexico isn’t just about the catch—it’s about coming home to something deeply rooted. From acequias and pueblos to rancheros and generations of families, our rivers and lakes have long sustained life, tradition, and connection. At 505 Anglers LLC, I work to honor that legacy by helping folks (especially youth and first-timers) build confidence, respect for the water, and a lifelong love of the outdoors. Whether I’m teaching someone how to tie an improved clinch knot, hosting casting clinics, or giving a tutorial of how to process a catch, I’m always reminded how sacred and special this land truly is.
"Teach a man to fish and you've fed him for a lifetime. Teach a child to fish and you've sparked a legacy." — Anonymous (505 Anglers-inspired adaptation)
A Word to the Community
If you’ve ever thought, “Fishing isn’t for people like me,” I want you to know: it absolutely is. The lakes and rivers of New Mexico are for all of us. You don’t have to be an expert; you just have to be willing! Start small. Grab a rod. Bring a friend or a child. Head to your nearest body of water and just listen—to the wind, to the water, and to the stillness. You’ll be surprised what you catch—on your line and in your heart.
“When kids feel proud of their catch, they start to see themselves as protectors of the water too.” - Carole Lindstrom and Michaela Goade
Tips & Tricks — New Mexico Waters Worth Exploring
Grants RiverWalk Pond
A family-friendly pond stocked with trout in winter and catfish in warmer months.
Tip: Try a floating rig with chartreuse PowerBait 12-16" off the bottom for trout. In warmer temps, go with worms or hot dogs fished on the bottom to get a nice cat.
Lake Maloya (Sugarite Canyon)
A high-altitude beauty near Raton, perfect for trout and perch.
Tip: Use small spoons or spinners in between the vegetation (careful not to get snagged). Yellow perch respond well to jigs tipped with worms or meal worms.
Elephant Butte Lake
New Mexico’s largest lake, home to stripers, white bass, catfish, and largemouth bass.
Tip: Troll crankbaits near rocky points, or cast soft plastics. Look for birds circling or diving to find active fish schools.
Pecos River (Monastery to Terrero)
A scenic stretch loaded with rainbow and brown trout.
Tip: Use a dry-dropper rig with an elk hair caddis on top and a pheasant tail below. Fish upstream with patience and try to fish with something that matches the insects around you.
Pro Tip: Fish often see you before you see them—so be stealthy!
Stay updated: Check NMDGF’s weekly fishing & stocking report
Bass vs. Trout Fishing: A Beginner’s Breakdown
Bass and trout are two of the most popular—and very different—fish to target in New Mexico. Here’s what new anglers should know:
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Category
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Bass Fishing
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Trout Fishing
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Water Type
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Warmer lakes, ponds, reservoirs
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Colder, moving rivers and high-elevation lakes
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Gear
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Medium-heavy rods, 8–15 lb test line
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Ultralight to medium rods, 2–6 lb line (this is important!)
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Bait/Lures
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Worms, crankbaits, spinnerbaits
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PowerBait, spinners, flies, worms
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Tactics
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Fish structure: logs, rocks, drop-offs
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Drift upstream, finesse baits
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Action
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Aggressive topwater strikes
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Subtle takes, more precision
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Season
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Best in summer and fall
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Peak in spring and early fall
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Bonus Tip: YouTube is your friend! A quick YouTube search can provide endless valuable learning content!
Ready When You Are
Whether you're seeking a one-on-one lesson, a family fishing outing, or just someone to walk you through the basics, 505 Anglers LLC is here for it. I offer beginner education, youth events, and catch-and-cook sessions—all grounded in patience, community, and a deep love for this land. Together with partners like Nuestra Tierra, we’re reclaiming space in the outdoors—one story, one cast, one family at a time.
"Hooks may catch the fish, but it’s connection that catches the soul." — Matty Gonzales