El Paso, Texas, is known for its desert temperatures and lack of water, making it hard to find a great fishing spot. However, if you do your research and are willing to drive a bit, you can find a few popular places in the area! The following are a few of the hidden fishing gems near El Paso.
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Ascarate Park
The 48-acre Ascarate Lake is part of Ascarate Park in El Paso County and is the area’s most popular fishing spot that’s open to the public. While fishing here, you’re likely to catch a variety of species like carp, bluegill, crappie, catfish, trout, black bass, shad, hybrid sunfish, sun perch, minnows, and largemouth bass. The park is open all year long. Its hours are 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. from April to September and 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. from October to March.
If you plan on checking out this local favorite, there are a few things you should know. Ascarate Park requires adults age 17 and older to have a fishing license. Anglers are only allowed two fishing poles each, and the daily catch limit is five fish per person.
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Hideaway Lakes
Hideaway Lakes is a beautiful fishing spot located in Tornillo, Texas, just 40 minutes from El Paso. Hideaway Lakes is privately owned with several ponds full of catfish. A fishing license is not needed because the ponds are on private property, but you do have to purchase a Hideaway Lakes fishing permit. You can pay $15 for 11 hours, $30 for 23 hours, or $60 for 47 hours. Anglers are only allowed one fishing pole each, and there’s a limit of three catfish per permit.
You are not allowed to catch and release your catfish, so be prepared to take your fish home for cleaning; also, reservations are required. Hideaway Lakes closes on Tuesdays at 9 p.m. until Thursdays at 6 a.m. Aside from these days and hours, it’s open for fishing 24 hours a day.
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Rio Grande River Trail
There are great fishing spots all along the Rio Grande River with several access points throughout El Paso, including the Rio Grande River Trail. The 8.5-mile trail travels right along the river, giving shore fisherman multiple access points to roam along. The section of the river around El Paso is typically slow-moving and dirty, making it a great home for carp and catfish. Occasionally, fishermen will find some sunfish and largemouth bass in this area as well.
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New Mexico State Parks
If you’re willing to travel a bit, you’ll find some of the best fishing places in New Mexico State Parks like Elephant Butte Lake State Park. Elephant Butte Lake is a rather large lake, making it perfect for both boat fishing and shore fishing. It’s most commonly known for striped and white bass fishing; however, you can also expect to catch some catfish, walleye, and largemouth and smallmouth bass.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day on the shoreline or a fun day of fishing out on the water, El Paso has plenty of unexpected options for even the most experienced fishermen!
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