Fishing Caballo Lake

AKA: Caballo Lake State Park

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

Caballo Lake, NM

Popular Fish Species Caballo Lake, NM

Largemouth Bass

Caballo Lake offers good fishing for largemouth bass. Lately, fishing here for bass has been improving. Some big bass roam Caballo Lake, thanks to excellent fisheries management by the New Mexico Department of Game & Fish, as well as the availability of extensive cover for both baitfish and bass. When the bite is good, bass typically move shallow and are quite aggressive. If you find them shallow and they are not tempted to bite, slow down and use smaller, lighter baits. Fishing for largemouth bass is good virtually any time they are shallow - in spring, mornings in summer, and during warm Fall afternoons. 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 weapons. In winter, spend your time fishing Caballo Lake on deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time. Smallmouth bass also reside here in good numbers.

Striped Bass

Due in part to their large size, striped bass are a favorite of many locals and fishing guides here at Caballo Lake. They are plentiful, run in schools and many of them grow to bragging size. In Spring and Fall work the upper end of the lake where water is flowing into the lake. Look for deeper water in the river channel, as a holding place for stripers. In Summer and Winter, stripers hang out in deeper water during the day and feed close to the bottom, 50 feet or deeper. Morning often draws the stripers to the much shallower water, look for them around the 20-foot range as they feed on shallow-running schools of bait. The lake is filled with plenty of baitfish and sunfish to to keep the fishery thriving. Being successful at fishing for stripers is a matter of locating schools of bait, and the wolf packs of stripers which are likely to be nearby. Fish finders, and forward facing sonar, are a big help in locating these roaming schools. Live bait is very effective here, and stripers can be caught year round.

White Bass

After several very successful spawn years, white bass are flourishing in Caballo Lake and anglers should expect some great fishing this year. White bass are aggressive, hard-fighting and just plain fun to catch. When fishing for white bass, the average fish is typically in the one- to two-pound range. These schooling fish tend to roam around the lake looking for ideal water conditions and baitfish. Look for them to generally be in 15 to 35 feet of water, whether they are hovering around the bottom or swimming in open water. Fish finders are the best way to locate big schools of white bass. In spring, once the water temperature rises into the mid sixties, they move shallow into the backs of coves and creek channels to spawn. At this time anglers can fish from shore and often do quite well. Use lures that imitate baitfish, including crankbaits, jerkbaits, jigs and spoons.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, rainbow trout, bluegill, white bass, striped bass and northern pike at Caballo Lake in New Mexico.

Plenty of bank fishing is available at Caballo Lake is a 11,400-acre lake in the southwest part of the state, at the town of Caballo. Plenty of the over 24 miles of shoreline is accessible. Anglers tend to focus on bass, crappie, catfish, and walleye.

Caballo Lake in New Mexico is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts, offering a wide range of angling opportunities and outdoor experiences. The lake is known for its diverse fish species, including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, white bass, walleye, catfish, and crappie. Anglers can enjoy a variety of fishing techniques and target different species throughout the year.

Largemouth bass and smallmouth bass are highly sought-after species in Caballo Lake. Anglers can explore the lake's rocky shorelines, submerged structures, and weed beds to find bass hiding and feeding. Techniques such as casting with jigs, soft plastics, or crankbaits can entice these powerful fish to strike. With careful presentation and persistence, anglers can experience the thrill of reeling in trophy-sized bass.

White bass are another popular species found in Caballo Lake. These schooling fish provide exciting fishing action, especially during their spring and fall feeding frenzies. Anglers can cast with small jigs, spinners, or crankbaits to catch multiple white bass in a single outing. The open water areas and points of the lake are ideal spots to locate schools of feeding white bass.

Walleye are known to inhabit Caballo Lake, providing an additional angling opportunity for avid fishermen. These elusive fish can be targeted by trolling with deep-diving crankbaits or by vertical jigging near drop-offs or submerged structures. Successful walleye fishing in Caballo Lake often requires patience and a good understanding of their behavior and preferred habitats.

Caballo Lake is also home to catfish, including channel catfish and flathead catfish. These bottom-dwelling predators can be caught using various bait presentations such as stink baits, chicken liver, or cut bait. The lake's depths and structure provide ample opportunities to target catfish and experience their powerful strikes.

Caballo Lake in New Mexico provides excellent fishing opportunities with its diverse fish species and scenic surroundings. Anglers targeting bass, walleye, white bass, catfish, or crappie can find exciting fishing experiences throughout the lake. Boating facilities and camping amenities further enhance the outdoor experience, making Caballo Lake an appealing destination for anglers and nature enthusiasts seeking a memorable fishing adventure and a peaceful getaway.

The lake also has trout, sunfish, northern pike and hybrid stripers. There's no marina or rental boats, so bring a canoe, kayak or fishing boat and enjoy the views and great fishing.

Primary fish species residing in Caballo Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Caballo Lake Amenities

Marina: NO
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: NEARBY (10 miles)
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: NO

Today's Weather & Forecast

Boating is a popular activity in Caballo Lake, with boat ramps available for easy access to the water. Anglers can navigate the lake's expanse, explore different fishing spots, and enjoy the serenity of the surrounding landscape. Boaters can also engage in recreational activities such as water skiing, tubing, or simply cruising along the lake's shores.

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Caballo Lake State Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, off Palimino Road, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

East Side Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, at the east end of the dam, off County Road B040, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Fishing Guides On Caballo Lake

Land of Enchantment Fishing Adventures - walleye, stripers

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

Caballo Lake Fishing Video

Fishing License

Click here for a New Mexico Fishing License.

For those seeking to spend more time in nature, Caballo Lake offers camping facilities. Campers can set up their tents or park their RVs in the designated campgrounds, immersing themselves in the peaceful ambiance of the lake. Camping allows visitors to enjoy evenings under the starry sky, gather around campfires, and relax in the beauty of the outdoors.