Flathead Catfish

If you're after some whisker-twitching action in Southeastern New Mexico, Lovington might just surprise you with its Flathead Catfish potential. While not widely known as a catfish destination, the small reservoirs and stock ponds scattered around the area can hold some surprisingly large flatheads. These fish thrive in the warm, shallow waters, especially during the summer months. Look for submerged timber, creek channels, and areas with current – these are prime ambush points. Summer (June-August) is the peak season, with nighttime being particularly productive. Live bait is key; sunfish or goldfish are local favorites. A practical tip: access to some of these ponds can be tricky and require landowner permission, so do your research and ask around locally. Also, be prepared for extreme heat, especially during the day. The flatheads here aren't pressured as heavily as in larger, more popular fisheries, so you might just hook into a real trophy.