On August 19, New Mexico Game and Fish (NMDGF) posted to social media about a smallmouth bass that was caught at Eagle Nest Lake. According to officials, smallmouth bass are not native to the local water reservoirs. This fish is considered a predatory fish, which could damage existing fish populations, most especially rainbow trout and kokanee fish.
“It’s suspected that the smallmouth bass was introduced into the lake illegally by someone. This could threaten one of northern New Mexico’s premier angling destinations!” the post continued.
Officials are asking for help. If you are fishing at Eagle Nest Lake and capture a smallmouth bass, please take the following steps:
- Snap a photo
- Contact Coldwater Fisheries Supervisor Jane Trujillo
(jane.trujillo@dgf.nm.gov; 505-500-5057) to report your catch - Keep the fish and please freeze it whole. Your catch could help NMDGF understand where the bass came from and how they might impact the lake
NMDGF will be conducting fisheries surveys on Eagle Nest Lake in the coming weeks to better understand the problem and gather data to guide future management. Officials say they are considering a range of potential management strategies and plan to continue to communicate with local anglers, the community, and the public as they learn more.
Officials want to ensure it’s known that it is illegal to transport or stock live sportfish in New Mexico without a permit. They say that introducing any fish into the wild can be incredibly damaging to local fishery resources.
If you know of fish being moved illegally, you’re encouraged to contact the Operation Game Thief at (800) 432-4263 or https://onlinesales.wildlife.state.nm.us/public/ogt
