Native and Introduced Fish Species in New Mexico
| Gila Trout | Native |
|---|---|
| Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout | Native |
| Brook Trout | Introduced |
| Rainbow Trout | Introduced |
| Brown Trout | Introduced |
Contents
What kind of trout are in New Mexico?
Official Rules. The New Mexico Trout Challenge: Catch the five trout species listed below that are found and inhabit lakes and streams within New Mexico (Rio Grande Cutthroat, Gila, Brown, Brook, and Rainbow Trout).
Are rainbow trout native to New Mexico?
The Rio Grande cutthroat trout is one of two native species of trout found in New Mexico (The other native New Mexico trout specie we have is the Gila Trout which is only found in southern part of the state).Hybridization with introduced rainbow trout in the wild has created a new sub-species known as a cuttbow.
Does New Mexico have golden trout?
Wyoming also holds the record for the largest golden trout, at over 11 pounds. In addition to Wyoming, records indicate populations have existed in Arizona, California, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, and Colorado.
Where are the biggest trout in New Mexico?
New Mexico State Record Trout
The state record brown trout came from the Chama River. The state record lake trout was caught in Heron Lake.
Are brook trout native to New Mexico?
The rainbow trout, for example, evolved in the ocean and was introduced into the waters of New Mexico.
Native and Introduced Fish Species in New Mexico.
| Gila Trout | Native |
|---|---|
| Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout | Native |
| Brook Trout | Introduced |
| Rainbow Trout | Introduced |
| Brown Trout | Introduced |
What kind of fish are in New Mexico?
Fishing in New Mexico
Anglers can find a variety of warm-water species, including largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, white bass, catfish, bluegills, perch and pike in lakes and reservoirs; as well as a variety of trout species in lakes, rivers and streams throughout the state.
Where are rainbow trout native?
Rainbow trout found primarily east of the Cascade Mountains in the U.S. and in the Upper Fraser River of British Columbia are often called redbands. Native rainbow trout are generally found in watersheds west of the Cascades. Most rainbow trout found outside their historical range are “domesticated” steelhead.
How many trout can you keep in New Mexico?
5 fish
Bag limit of 5 fish is considered any combination of trout and/or salmon with the exception that no more than 2 lake trout and/or 2 cutthroat trout may be included in the limit.
Where is Rio Grande cutthroat?
Catching a Rio Grande Cutthroat trout is a one-of-a-kind experience. Anglers can find RGCT throughout the Northern portions of New Mexico. Popular areas for fishing include the Rio Costilla, upper Pecos, and Jemez regions.
What is a blue rainbow trout?
The blue trout is a not so rare genetic mutation of both brown and rainbow trout. It is bred in fish farms and released in stocked lakes for sport fishing. It is said to be a good fighter. Ruaridh caught one but also some nice 2½ lbs Rainbow which we ate fresh baked – browns were returned to the water (as was the Blue)
What is a palomino trout?
The Palomino trout or the Oncorhynchus mykiss are the results of Rainbow trout cross-breeding with West Virginia Golden trout (not to be confused with the California native Golden Trout).Palomino trout tend to grow very quickly and it is said are stronger than your typical rainbow trout.
Can you eat a golden trout?
They eat insects and small crustaceans. The fish is considered both very attractive and tasty. When cooked, the flesh is firm and red, and the skin both loses its spots and turns a pale gold.
Where is the best fishing in New Mexico right now?
5 Best Fishing Spots in New Mexico
- Ute Lake State Park, Logan, NM. At 8,200 acres and 13 miles in length, Ute Lake is one of the longest in the state.
- Conchas Lake State Park, Conchas Dam, NM. The translucent blue-green water here is impressive.
- Bluewater Lake State Park, Prewitt, NM.
- Pecos River.
- San Juan River.
Where are the fish biting in New Mexico?
5 Favorite New Mexico Fishing Spots
- San Juan River. The San Juan River is a world-famous fishery below Navajo Dam in northwest New Mexico.
- Upper Río Grande River. The upper Río Grande around Taos can be great fishing in early summer, but it may be out of sorts from runoff, too.
- Cimarrón River.
- Chama River.
- Pecos River.
Is there a trout season in New Mexico?
The fishing license year is April 1- March 31.A few lakes and parts of some streams are designated “Special Trout Waters,” more commonly referred to as “Quality Waters.” On most of them, only artificial flies and lures with single, barbless hooks can be used.
Are salmon native to New Mexico?
Kokanee salmon are not native to New Mexico. A land-locked sockeye salmon, they thrive in some of the deeper and colder plankton-producing lakes in our state such as Heron, El Vado, Navajo, Abiquiu and Eagle Nest Lakes.
Are walleye native to New Mexico?
It’s not a large, furry mammal, but a fish. Walleye are a popular sport fish because of their delicious white, flaky meat that lacks the typically strong, fishy taste. They can be found in most large lakes across the state, but their natural reproduction is limited in New Mexico.
Are catfish native to New Mexico?
New Mexico waters support three species of catfish: the channel, flathead, and blue, found in both rivers and reservoirs. Blue catfish are only found in Elephant Butte and Caballo Reservoirs. Channel and flathead catfish each have eight black barbels (whiskers) near the mouth and thick, smooth, scaleless skin.
What do New Mexico trout eat?
Trout eat a host of aquatic insects, terrestrial insects, other fish, crustaceans, leeches, worms, and other foods. The food items that are most important to trout and fly fishers are the aquatic insects that spend most of their life cycles underwater in rivers, streams, and stillwaters.
Are bass native to New Mexico?
Native to warm fresh waters east of the Mississippi, Large- mouth Bass have been trans- planted throughout much of the world. They are present in all the major drainages of New Mexico except the Tularosa Basin. Elephant Butte, Ute, and Conchas are the best Large- mouth reservoirs in the state.
