Striped Bass

While not as renowned as some other locations, the Rio Grande near Los Ranchos de Albuquerque offers a limited opportunity to target striped bass. These fish are less common here than in larger reservoirs, but they do migrate up the river, especially during the spring spawning run. Focus your efforts on the main channel of the Rio Grande, particularly near bridges or other structures that create current breaks. Spring is the most likely time to encounter stripers as they move upstream. A crucial local tip: access to the Rio Grande can be challenging, so research public access points beforehand. Also, be prepared for varying water conditions, including fluctuating levels and turbidity. The striped bass population here is not large, and the fish tend to be smaller than those found in larger impoundments. Use large swimbaits or crankbaits to target these predatory fish. Given the limited population, practicing catch and release is highly recommended to help sustain the fishery.