What You'll Find at Long Point Reservoir

Long Point Reservoir sits in the Gila National Forest in southwestern New Mexico, about 40 miles north of Silver City. The lake holds walleye and channel catfish as its primary species, with some largemouth bass and bluegill in the shallows. The reservoir is small—roughly 50 surface acres—which makes it manageable for anglers who want to cover water without a long commute between productive spots.

The lake sits at elevation around 6,000 feet, so water temperatures stay cool even in summer. Spring and fall are the most reliable seasons for walleye, though catfish bite year-round if you're willing to fish the colder months. The setting is quiet and forested, with limited development and few crowds compared to larger New Mexico reservoirs.

Key Takeaways

  • Long Point holds walleye and channel catfish, with walleye fishing best in spring and fall when water temperatures are moderate.
  • A New Mexico fishing license is required; you can purchase one at the Gila National Forest office in Silver City or online through the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish.
  • The reservoir has a boat ramp and basic facilities, but no fuel, food, or lodging on-site—bring supplies from Silver City.
  • Walleye respond to live bait (shiners, shad) and jigs fished near structure; catfish take chicken liver, stink bait, and cut baitfish from the bank or boat.
  • Access is via Forest Service Road 141 from the town of Gila; the drive is rough in places and impassable in heavy snow.

Getting There and What to Bring

Long Point is reached from Silver City by driving north on New Mexico Highway 15 toward the town of Gila, then following Forest Service Road 141 northeast. The road is gravel and dirt, with washboard sections and occasional ruts. In dry conditions, a standard vehicle can make it; after rain or snow, high-clearance is safer. The drive from Silver City takes roughly 90 minutes depending on road condition.

There is a small boat ramp at the reservoir and a few parking spaces. No fuel, food, or lodging exists at Long Point itself. Stock up in Silver City before you go—groceries, gas, and lodging are all there. Bring more water than you think you'll need, especially in summer. Cell service is spotty or absent, so plan your trip before you leave town and let someone know where you're going.

Walleye Fishing: Spring and Fall Peak

Walleye at Long Point bite most reliably in spring (April through May) and fall (September through October), when water temperatures sit in the 50s and 60s. Summer heat pushes walleye deeper and makes them less active during daylight. Winter is possible but slow; ice forms some years, closing boat access.

Fish live bait—shiners or shad—on a simple rig: a slip sinker, swivel, and 18-inch leader with a size 2 or 3 hook. Cast near rocky points, submerged timber, and the dam face. Jigs tipped with minnow work well too; a 1/8-ounce jig in white or chartreuse, worked slowly along the bottom, draws strikes. Walleye are most active at dawn, dusk, and after dark, so plan your fishing around low-light periods.

The lake is small enough that you can cover most of it in a day. Focus on deeper water (12 to 20 feet) during midday and move to shallower structure (4 to 8 feet) in early morning and evening. A depth finder helps, but even without one, the dam area and any visible rocky points are worth fishing.

Channel Catfish Year-Round

Channel catfish at Long Point are less seasonal than walleye and bite throughout the year, though they're more active in warmer months. Fish from the bank or boat using chicken liver, commercial stink bait, or cut shad. Cast out and wait; catfish are not sight hunters and will find your bait by smell.

Use a simple three-way rig or a slip sinker above a swivel to keep bait on the bottom where catfish feed. A medium spinning rod with 12- to 15-pound line is adequate. Fish the deeper holes and channel edges, especially near the dam. Catfish bite best at night and in low-light conditions, so an evening or overnight trip can be productive.

Regulations and Licensing

New Mexico requires a fishing license for anyone 12 and older. You can buy a one-day, five-day, or annual license through the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish website or at vendors in Silver City, including the Gila National Forest office. Prices vary by license type and residency status.

Walleye and catfish have no special restrictions at Long Point. Check the current New Mexico fishing digest for any changes to bag limits or season dates before you go. The digest is free and available online or at the Game and Fish office. Possession limits and size restrictions can shift, so verify the rules that apply to your trip.

When to Fish: Seasons and Weather

Spring (April through May) is the most reliable season. Water temperatures are moderate, walleye are active, and the weather is generally stable. Afternoon thunderstorms are common but usually brief. Bring rain gear.

Summer (June through August) is warm and dry, but walleye bite poorly during the day. If you go, fish early morning and evening, or plan a catfish trip. Fall (September through October) is excellent for walleye and offers cooler, comfortable fishing weather. Winter (November through March) is slow and can be cold; snow and ice may close the road or the lake itself.

Facilities and Nearby Services

Long Point has a boat ramp, parking, and basic vault toilets. There is no water, electricity, or camping at the reservoir itself. The nearest camping is at Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, about 20 miles south, which has a small developed campground. Dispersed camping is also available on nearby Forest Service land.

Silver City, 40 miles south, has all services: hotels, restaurants, grocery stores, and gas stations. The town is also home to Western New Mexico University and has a small-town character worth exploring if you're staying overnight. Gila, the small community closest to the reservoir, has limited services but a few local businesses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Long Point?

No. The reservoir is small enough that bank fishing is productive, especially near the dam and along rocky shoreline. A boat lets you cover more water and reach deeper structure, but it's not required. Many anglers fish successfully from shore with catfish bait or walleye jigs cast into deeper water.

What's the best time of day to fish for walleye?

Early morning (sunrise to mid-morning) and evening (late afternoon through dark) are most productive. Walleye are light-sensitive and feed actively in low-light conditions. Midday fishing is slow, especially in summer. Night fishing can work too, though the road is rough and navigation after dark is difficult.

Can I fish Long Point in winter?

Yes, but conditions are unpredictable. Snow and ice can close Forest Service Road 141, and the lake itself may freeze over. Winter fishing is slow for walleye. If you go, check road conditions with the Gila National Forest office first and bring extra supplies in case you get stuck.

What size boat can I launch at Long Point?

The ramp accommodates small to medium boats—typically up to 18 or 20 feet. Larger boats may be difficult to launch. The lake is shallow in places, so a boat with a shallow draft works better than a deep-V hull. Check with the Forest Service office in Silver City if you have questions about your specific boat.

Are there fish-cleaning facilities at the lake?

No. If you plan to keep fish, bring a cooler and ice, and plan to clean them at your lodging or back in Silver City. The Forest Service does not provide cleaning stations at Long Point.