Catfish

Blue Catfish Fishing in New Mexico

Blue Catfish
Image: Duane Raver, USFWS · Public domain

The largest North American catfish, common in big Southern and Midwestern rivers and reservoirs. Trophy blues often come in winter on cut shad.

Waters
1
State
New Mexico
Water
Freshwater
Methods
Spin & Bait

Prime Months in New Mexico: No Agency Season Found

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

What to Use for Blue Catfish

Fishing In

Blue Catfish

No agency season found

Spin / Cast

7.5 to 8 ft medium-heavy casting rod, 5000 to 6500 levelwind reel, 30 to 50 lb line, 7/0 to 8/0 circle hooks.

Rod, Reel and Line

  • RodUgly Stik Catfish Casting Rod · 8 ft medium heavy, 15 to 30 lb, 2 pieceCheck Price
  • ReelAbu Garcia Ambassadeur C3 Catfish Round Reel · 6500 (mono 320/12, 225/17; braid 310/30, 220/50)Check Price
  • LineBerkley Trilene XL Monofilament · 30 lbCheck Price

Tie On in November

  • Bait for November · Chunk or filletCut ShadFresh is best.
  • Bait for November · 1 to 3 inLive MinnowsLive shiners.
  • Bait for November · Whole, liveLive Shad and Herring

Picks: general for this fish, each checked against state and federal agency pages, not specific to this water. Ask a local shop what is working.

Gear: rods, reels and lines are starting points, sized from each maker's page. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.

Also Worth Packing

Terminal Tackle

Gamakatsu Circle Hooks

Circle hooks designed to set in the corner of a fish's mouth, for fresh and saltwater bait fishing.

Check Price Maker's Page

Terminal Tackle

Egg Sinkers and Swivels

Egg sinkers, swivels, and beads for slip-sinker and Carolina rigs.

Check Price

Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.

Licenses & Regulations

Most anglers need a New Mexico fishing license; age cutoffs and exemptions are set by the state. Seasons, limits, and tackle rules vary by water, so check current regulations before you go.

Where to Catch Blue Catfish

1 of 1 waters

Shops to Stock Up

Blue Catfish Fishing by State