El Paso may not be the first place you might think of for its fishing potential, as its high temperatures and desert setting make it better known for sand than water! However, if you’re willing to explore a little, there are many excellent fishing spots all within a short drive of the city.
1. Ascarate Lake
One of the more popular places to fish, Ascarate Lake, is an excellent place to start. Located close to the center of town, the lake is in Ascarate Park (which charges a small fee for parking) and is well stocked with crappie, trout, carp, catfish, largemouth bass, and bluegill.
The park is open all year round, but it’s worth mentioning that you’ll need a license to fish if you’re 17 or older, and only two rods per person are allowed. There’s also a catch limit of five fish per day.
2. Hideaway Lakes
HideAway Lakes is a privately owned collection of lakes, home to lots of catfish. The lakes are just 45 minutes away from the city, in the small town of Tornillo. The site includes lakeside campsites, perfect for night fishing!
There are no licenses required as the lakes are private property. Permit prices vary from $15 for a day permit, $20 for an overnight permit, and up to $60 for a four-day stay. Only one rod or hook is allowed per permit, and there’s a daily catch limit of three catfish per day per permit. The lakes are open 24hrs a day but are closed from 9 pm on Tuesday to 6 am on Thursday, every week.
3. Rio Bosque Wetlands Park
Right within the city limits is this peaceful oasis of calm, a world away from some of the busier places to fish. The park is teeming with wildlife of all kinds and is especially well known for its birdlife, including ospreys and flocks of migratory waterbirds that throng the irrigation canals over winter.
Catfish, white bass, carp, largemouth bass, crappie, and rainbow trout can all be found here, and throughout the many other man-made waterways, such as the reservoirs and canals which surround the city. As this is a public site, you will need a license to fish here as well.
4. Elephant Butte State Park
This local favorite requires traveling some distance to New Mexico. Elephant Butte State Park is well known for its bass fishing with plenty of striped, white large, and smallmouth bass to find.
The lake is an excellent fishing spot for both shore and boat fishing, with beautiful vistas to enjoy. Other New Mexico State parks such as Bottomless Lakes and Clayton Lake parks are also definitely worth checking out too if you’re in the area.
The area has a lot of very unexpected places to fish, including some real gems for anglers of all stripes. There are plenty of waterways to explore, and with a little perseverance, you will be sure to find your new favorite place to fish!
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