Fishing Brantley Lake

AKA: Brantley Lake State Park

Most Popular Fish
Brantley Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Local Fishing Guides
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

Brantley Lake, NM

Popular Fish Species Brantley Lake, NM

Brantley Lake Popular Fish - Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass Fishing

Brantley Lake continues to provide very good largemouth bass fishing for weekend anglers and tournament participants as well. A significant number of quality bass also roam these waters, so there is always the potential for catching a lunker. Bass often move shallow and become fairly aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. If you find them shallow, and they seem disinterested in your presentations, try slowing down and use smaller, lighter baits. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, big worms, jigs and spoons are three good options. In winter, spend your time fishing Brantley Lake on deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time. Fishing for largemouth bass can range from fair to very good here, year round.

Brantley Lake Popular Fish - Channel Catfish

Channel Catfish Fishing

Local anglers enjoy fishing for channel catfish, and are rewarded with some nice catches. Most any fishing rod and reel will work for catching these catfish at Brantley Lake, as long as the line is strong enough. However, using the right equipment enhances success, especially when you hook one of the big boys. A medium action, to medium-heavy action rod is ideal, in the 6' to 7' range. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with popular catfish baits on at least 10-pound line. Use sharp hooks with bait holders on the shank, or circle hooks for live bait. The state record channel catfish is over 35 pounds, and Brantley Lake holds some pretty big ones. Night fishing for catfish often delivers better results than daytime fishing. Fishing for channel catfish is often most productive around any kind of structure in the area. In Spring channel catfish migrate toward incoming water, so stay up river away from the main lake. In early summer look for rocky banks, the bigger the rocks the better. In summer and winter deeper structure is where to look. The river end of the lake is often the area where the bigger catfish are caught. Road beds, creek channels and rocky points are all good places to begin.

Walleye Fishing

Thoughtful fisheries management by the New Mexico Department of Game & Fish has maintained a quality population of walleye in the waters of Brantley Lake this year. May and June tend to be the best time for weekend anglers to catch them. During this time they tend to move shallower and closer to shore. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. As always, stay around schools of baitfish. They are eager to feed throughout the lake, but tend to concentrate around structure on points, flats and ledges off the river channels. A proven method for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, rainbow trout, bluegill and white bass at Brantley Lake in New Mexico.

Brantley Lake Fishing Video

Fish from the bank, or from a boat, and enjoy the views and fishing at Brantley Lake, a 4,000-acre lake in the southeast of the state, 15 miles south of Artesia. There are over 30 miles of shoreline with plenty of access.

Brantley Lake in New Mexico is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts, offering a range of angling opportunities and outdoor activities. The lake is known for its diverse fish species, including largemouth bass, white bass, catfish, and crappie. Anglers can cast from the shoreline or venture out onto the water to target these exciting game fish.

Largemouth bass are a prized species in Brantley Lake, with the lake providing ample habitat for these aggressive predators. Anglers can employ various techniques such as casting with jigs, soft plastics, or topwater lures to entice largemouth bass. The lake's submerged structures, rocky shorelines, and weed beds provide ideal cover for bass and present exciting fishing opportunities.

White bass are another sought-after species in Brantley Lake. These schooling fish offer exciting action, particularly during their active feeding periods. Anglers can experience the thrill of catching multiple white bass in a single outing by casting with jigs, spinners, or small crankbaits. White bass can be found in open water or near drop-offs and points, making them an excellent target for both boat anglers and shoreline fishermen.

Catfish are also abundant in Brantley Lake, providing anglers with the opportunity to reel in channel catfish or flathead catfish. Fishing with stink baits, chicken liver, or cut bait near the lake's bottom can attract these bottom-dwelling predators. Catfish in Brantley Lake can grow to impressive sizes, offering both a challenging fight and a tasty meal.

Brantley Lake in New Mexico offers a rewarding fishing experience with its diverse fish species and outdoor amenities. Whether targeting largemouth bass, white bass, catfish, or crappie, anglers can enjoy the thrill of the catch and the beauty of the lake's surroundings. Boating facilities and camping options further enhance the outdoor experience, making Brantley Lake a desirable destination for anglers and nature enthusiasts seeking a memorable fishing adventure and a relaxing getaway.

The Seven Rivers Boat Ramp is at Brantley Lake State Park which has primitive and developed campsites. Bass and catfish are the primary targets here, but the lake also offers crappie, walleye, sunfish and trout fishing. Both the water level, and the fishing, can fluctuate year to year.

Primary fish species residing in Brantley Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Brantley Lake Amenities

Marina: NO
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: NEARBY
Restaurant: NEARBY

Today's Weather & Forecast

Brantley Lake is well-suited for boating, with boat ramps available for easy access to the water. Anglers can explore the lake's various sections, find productive fishing spots, and enjoy the serenity of the surrounding landscape. Boating also opens up opportunities for recreational activities such as water skiing and tubing, making Brantley Lake a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Brantley Lake State Park East Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off E Brantley Lake Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Steven Rivers West Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off W Brantley Lake Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Fishing Guides On Brantley Lake

If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.

Fishing License

Click here for a New Mexico Fishing License.

For those looking to extend their stay, camping facilities are available near Brantley Lake. Campers can enjoy evenings under the starry sky, gather around campfires, and embrace the tranquility of the outdoors. Whether choosing a primitive campsite or a more developed campground, visitors can immerse themselves in the natural beauty and peaceful ambiance of the area.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

Brantley Lake State Park Campground - 575 457-2384

Carlsbad KOA Holiday - 575 457-2000