Below is a rare landing, a "Snagitus Granitus" or better known as a Snaging Rockfish, often caught but rarely landed.

Drop us a note if you would like more information on Walleye in SE New Mexico

I go by the Pen Name of "Walleye Man" on some of the fishing chat rooms and I wear that title with pride. You see, it seems everyone here in Southern New Mexico fish for Bass, Crappie, Catfish or White Bass, mainly because that's all they know. Several years ago I heard rumors about Walleye in Brantly Lake so I set out to see if it was true. I have made it my aim to be the most knowledgeable fisherman in the area concerning Walleye, not someone who stumbles on them occasionally but one who knows where they are and how to catch them any day of the year. Grant it I am not that proficient yet, but as with anything else, my knowledge grows with each trip. The first thing I must address is a common question I am ask, What are Walleye doing in Brantly Lake in South Eastern New Mexico. This is probably one of the best examples of a government mistake that actually paid off. You see, several years ago there were 2 trucks loaded at the fish hatchery, one with Largemouth Bass destined to be delivered to Brantly Lake, and one loaded with Walleye destined for a lake in northern New Mexico. You guessed it, Brantly got a load of Walleye and the northern lake got Bass. The fish and wildlife department was not overly concerned, they assumed that the Walleye would either die off or be food fish for the Bass and Catfish the lake is known for. Not so as we have found out. This last spring when the NM F&W shocked the lake for a fish count they were overly surprised. The Walleye population was far more than they expected. To top it off, there were several fish well over 24" long and weighing in excess of 10 lbs. So not only do we have Walleye in SE New Mexico, we have a premier "Walleye Fishery" I predominately Fly Fish for old Marble Eyes, yep, even down to 20 + feet and my fishing partner is my daughter Amanda, she not only fishes for them she is an accomplished fly tier at the age off 11.. I also use many of the proven Walleye methods used up north as well as adapt new methods for the peculiar circumstances of fishing for them in a warm water reservoir. We as a team are constantly working on new flies and streamers tailored for our southern Walleye as well as techniques to out smart them with some form of regularity. Who knows, maybe we will become the "Walleye Guides" of Brantly Lake. I have had to actually make a contour map of Brantly since none have ever been available. I have the intention of eventually producing it in a form that will not only show the contours but point out known fish hotspots as well. Of course this is still in the planning stages and will probably be dictated by need or coaxing from those that seek such information. Another aspect of Fly Fishing for Walleye is the fact that Amanda and myself enjoy participating in "Fly Swaps" with our friends on the Web. Recently I hosted my first Fly Swap, of course it was a "Walleye Fly Swap". The swap will finely be completed some time in late May, 2002 and I will post not only the recipes for the flies but Photos as well. It is my hope to dedicate a large portion of this page and it's associated links, ( still to come), to various Walleye Flies as well as how and where to fish for this marvelous creature sometimes referred to as the "Fresh Water Tarpon". Please check back often as I intend to have as much information as possible up within a few weeks as well as update it regularly. It is my aim to be the premier Walleye source for New Mexico, and I believe with study and dedication I can succeed. Enjoy my friends.

One of the best reasons to take kids fishing. "Tara", the one behind the fish, this is her very first fish. Center is Leasa and right is Amanda, with a support group like that she was a "Very" Happy kid.

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