The tournament runs on Elephant Butte Lake with entry open to anglers of all skill levels
The Elephant Butte Open Bass Tournament is a competitive fishing event held on Elephant Butte Lake in Sierra County, New Mexico. The tournament welcomes both experienced bass anglers and people fishing competitively for the first time. Entry is open to anyone with a valid New Mexico fishing license, and the event typically runs as a one-day or two-day competition depending on the year and organizer.
The lake itself sits in the foothills of the Black Range, about 150 miles south of Albuquerque. Elephant Butte Reservoir covers roughly 36,000 acres when full and holds largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and walleye. The tournament format usually requires anglers to weigh in their catch at a designated time and location, with prizes awarded based on total weight or number of fish caught, depending on the specific rules for that year's event.
Key Takeaways
- You must have a valid New Mexico fishing license to enter, and you can purchase one online through the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish website before the tournament date.
- Entry fees vary by year and organizer, so you should contact the tournament director or check the event announcement for the current cost and registration deadline.
- Most tournaments require you to fish during a set window — typically dawn to a specific afternoon time — and weigh in your catch at the official location on the lake.
- Elephant Butte Lake has specific regulations about catch limits and size requirements that apply during the tournament, so review the current New Mexico fishing rules before you launch.
- The lake can be crowded during tournament weekends, so arrive early to secure a launch spot and plan your fishing area in advance.
How to register and what you need to bring
Registration for the Elephant Butte Open Bass Tournament typically opens several weeks before the event date. You can usually register through the tournament director's website, by phone, or at a local bait and tackle shop near the lake. Have your New Mexico fishing license number ready when you register, as most tournaments require proof of a current license at check-in.
On tournament day, bring your valid fishing license, your boat registration if you're launching your own boat, and a cooler with ice to keep your catch fresh. You'll also need to bring your catch to the official weigh-in location by the deadline — missing the weigh-in window means your fish won't count, even if you caught them during the legal fishing hours. Some tournaments provide a designated weigh-in location at the marina or boat launch; others use a floating platform or dock. Confirm the exact weigh-in spot when you register.
Fishing regulations that apply during the tournament
New Mexico's statewide bass regulations remain in effect during the tournament, so you cannot ignore size or bag limits just because you're competing. Largemouth bass must meet the minimum size requirement — currently 12 inches in most New Mexico waters, though this can vary by specific lake or year. Smallmouth bass have their own size and bag limits. Check the current New Mexico Department of Game and Fish fishing rules before the tournament to confirm the exact limits for Elephant Butte Lake.
Most tournaments also have their own rules about which species count toward your weight, whether you can fish with live bait or must use artificial lures, and whether you can fish from shore or only from a boat. These details appear in the tournament rules when you register. If the tournament rules are stricter than state law — for example, if they require a larger minimum size — you must follow the tournament rules. If state law is stricter, you follow state law.
What to expect at Elephant Butte Lake on tournament day
Elephant Butte Lake can be windy, especially in spring and early summer, so check the weather forecast the day before and dress in layers. The water temperature varies widely by season — cold in winter and spring, warm by mid-summer — which affects where bass hold and how they bite. The lake has several launch ramps and marinas on the north and south ends; arrive early if you're launching your own boat, as parking and ramp space fill up quickly during tournaments.
The lake is large enough that you won't feel crowded if you're willing to run to a less-trafficked area, but most tournament anglers fish the shallower coves and structure near the main lake body. Bring a map or use a GPS unit to mark your fishing spots beforehand if possible. Cell service can be spotty on the water, so plan your day before you launch and let someone on shore know your general fishing area and when you expect to return.
Boat launch locations and facilities
Elephant Butte Lake State Park operates several public boat launches. The main launch on the north end is near the visitor center and has parking, restrooms, and a marina with fuel and supplies. The south launch is less crowded but has fewer facilities. Both launches charge a day-use fee to enter the state park — currently around $5 per vehicle, though this may change. You do not need to pay the state park fee if you're fishing from shore at certain access points, but most tournament anglers launch boats.
If you don't have your own boat, some local marinas rent fishing boats by the day. Call ahead to reserve one, especially during tournament season, as rental boats book up quickly. The marina can also provide tackle, ice, and information about current fishing conditions and where other anglers are catching fish.
Preparing your catch for the weigh-in
Keep your fish alive and cool from the moment you catch them. Use a livewell if your boat has one, or bring a cooler with ice water to keep them fresh. Handle fish carefully — a fish that's been thrashed around loses weight and may not survive the weigh-in process. Some tournaments penalize you if fish are dead or damaged at weigh-in, so treat your catch with care.
Weigh-in is usually a quick process: you bring your cooler or livewell to the official scale, the tournament staff count and weigh your fish, and they record your total. The fish are typically released back into the lake after weighing, so handle them gently during this step too. Ask the tournament director about their specific weigh-in procedures when you register — some tournaments require you to keep fish in a specific container, and some have rules about how long fish can be out of water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my own boat to fish the tournament?
No. You can fish from shore at several public access points around Elephant Butte Lake, or you can rent a boat from a local marina. Most competitive anglers use boats because they can cover more water and reach deeper structure, but shore fishing is allowed under tournament rules unless the specific event says otherwise.
What's the best time of year to fish Elephant Butte for bass?
Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are typically the most productive seasons for bass at Elephant Butte. Summer can be good early in the morning before the heat sets in. Winter fishing is possible but slower. Check when the tournament is scheduled — organizers usually pick dates when fishing conditions are favorable.
Can I practice on the lake before the tournament?
Yes. You can fish Elephant Butte Lake any day you have a valid New Mexico fishing license. Practicing beforehand helps you learn the lake, find productive spots, and understand how the fish are behaving that season. Many anglers spend a day or two on the water before the tournament to scout.
What if I catch a fish that's below the minimum size?
You must release it immediately. Keeping undersized fish is illegal under New Mexico law and will disqualify you from the tournament. The tournament director or other anglers may report you, and violations can result in fines or loss of fishing privileges.
How do I find out the exact date and entry fee for this year's tournament?
Contact the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish or search for "Elephant Butte Open Bass Tournament" online to find the current organizer's information. Tournament dates and fees change year to year, so calling ahead or checking the organizer's website is the fastest way to get accurate details.