Largemouth Bass

Williamsburg, New Mexico, offers some surprisingly good largemouth bass fishing, primarily centered around Elephant Butte Reservoir, the state's largest lake. While the lake has faced challenges with water levels in recent years, it continues to hold a healthy population of bass. The best times to target largemouth here are spring and fall, when water temperatures are moderate and the fish are actively feeding. During the spring pre-spawn and spawn, focus on shallow coves and points with submerged vegetation. Soft plastics like worms and creature baits are effective. In the fall, as the water cools, crankbaits and spinnerbaits can produce explosive strikes. A local tip: pay attention to water clarity. Elephant Butte can experience significant fluctuations in clarity due to wind and runoff. If the water is murky, opt for lures with bright colors or strong vibrations. Public access is readily available around Elephant Butte Lake State Park, with numerous boat ramps and shoreline fishing opportunities.