Tigers in the Desert It seems like it was just yesterday that the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish was netting 800 trash fish per hour from Bluewater Lake. In reality we're nearing a decade since tiger muskies were first introduced to New Mexico waters. Bluewater and Quemado Lake were known for trophy trout in the mid 80's but somehow goldfish were introduced and the trash fish populations exploded in both watersheds. By the late 90's the overall average size of the trout was basically stocker size (11"). That's pretty small for a lake that once produced state record trout. Good thing NMDGF's Rick Castell had a plan. He had heard about other state agencies using tiger muskies as a management tool for controlling trash fish populations with great success. NMDGF stocked tigers in Bluewater and Quemado lake in 2003 in hopes that maybe NM would have success using this species within their management plans. Over the years it became obvious to NMDGF that these fish were definitely eating the unwanted trash fish in the lake. According to surveys conducted by NMDGF, goldfish and white sucker populations seem to be on the decline. Some years the surveys reveal very little trash fish throughout the lake which raises the question, "did they finally eat themselves out of house and home?". Then the following year they'll end up finding a ton of trash fish! What that tells me is; these tiger muskies now play a vital role in maintaining a healthy Eco-system in these lakes. The trash fish are never going anywhere; they'll always be there... Since the tiger muskies are a sterile fish we rely on NMDGF stocking this amazing species ever other year. Imagine how much those trash fish populations would explode if there weren't any tigers to feed on them! We'd have huge schools of goldfish cruising along the shore, they'd once again take over the trout’s habitat and we'd be right where we were in 2002; no tigers and no trout! The lakes have seen an increase in angling pressure from year to year. Bluewater alone has more then tripled it's annual income in the last few years. Sure they have done a lot of work to the park making it a better recreational park for all who visit but I personally think the tigers are the main reason people are considering Bluewater for their next fishing trip. Some people think all these tiger muskies have an adverse effect on the trout inhabiting these waters. Misperceptions regarding tiger muskie feeding habits often depict the fish as being voracious and eating anything it sees. The truth is actually the complete opposite. Tiger Muskies unlike pike have a much slower metabolism. Thus creating an often long window between feeding periods. If these fish ate any and everything that swam across their face, we'd catch a lot more fish then what we do when targeting tigers. They know they're the big dogs of the lake and yes, they could eat about anything that swims.
However, they still prefer eating slow moving, bottom dwelling trash fish like goldfish and white suckers. See this CH59/NMDGF brochure that displays feeding habits from NM tiger muskies: NMDGF has survey a large number of over average sized trout in both lakes for several years now. When we're out fishing for tiger muskies we're catching trophy 3-6 pound trout! Tiger muskies and trout are thriving in these lakes. We as anglers have the tendency to conjure reasoning behind a bad day on the water. So often I hear trout anglers accusing the tiger Muskies of eating all the trout as an explanation for not catching any while fishing. Most often these tend to be the guys who go out and sink powerbait to the bottom and wait for something to happen. The trout in these lakes can be caught on traditional trout baits but they are growing at rapid rates and have become aggressive predators. These trophy trout are eating 5-7" baits while we're out targeting tigers! We're fortunate to have such an amazing fishery. Muskie anglers around the world envy NM anglers for the fact we have such high populations per acre. People from all over the United States are spending their hard earned money to vacation here in New Mexico and fish for our tiger muskies! Muskie anglers are a different breed of fishermen; we're in it for the sport, the hunt, the adrenaline rush we get from fighting a fish that enjoys the battle as much as we do. These are the type of people who plan trips so where they can be on the water for days on end. The same kind of guy who'll spend $30 on a single lure. The majority of NM anglers targeting trout tend to buy a couple $5 spinners and a jar of powerbait then fish for one day before heading back home. I know that's not always the case but what I'm getting at is, sport fishermen may be out numbered by trout harvesters in New Mexico; but the local economy benefits more out of sport fishermen's never ending pursuit of the next trophy game fish they reel in. When a Muskie angler sets off for a trip, they know all to well there's a very good chance they won't see a fish the entire time. I don't know anyone who'll do the same that fishes solely in effort to put dinner on the table. For as long as I can remember the San Juan River has always been the "holy grail" of NM fisheries. It's the big money maker cause of all the out of state traffic it draws and revenue it produces. I'm sure you see where I'm going with this. I'm not saying Bluewater is bringing in numbers comparable to the San Juan River but every year the numbers show Bluewater is becoming one of New Mexico's most visited fisheries in the state. Trish's cabins at Bluewater aren't being rented out by guys who are itching to catch trout for dinner that night. Her clientele is Muskie anglers, guys who catch and release their quarry and purchase a hot cooked meal from her deli for dinner.
These fish are a major asset to our lakes and I'm anxious for the day we see them being used in other bodies of water in order to stay ahead of potential trash fish explosions before they occur. 2-3 fish per acre in a handful of new lakes will also provide more New Mexicans the chance at landing such an amazing trophy fish. Not to mention will likely improve the overall state/size of other game fish inhabiting the water with the tigers. If you appreciate this amazing fishery as much as I do, write NMDGF an email, give Rick Castell a call and thank them for making it possible! Then voice the fact you'd like to see some new lakes stocked with tiger muskies in New Mexico.
42� Quemado Tiger Muskie caught by Joe Hardy who made the trip down from Alexandria Minnesota in 2009 and did very well. This was the biggest fish out of over 40 caught during the week he fished here.
The grass isn't always greener on the other side of the road. Will Hardy made the trip from Alexandria Minnesota in 2011 to catch and released this 46" beast at Bluewater lake.
Evan Gua made the trip from Minnesota in 2011 and managed a fat 44� fish also!
Doug Cavin of Amarillo Texas caught and released this heavy 45" tiger (2011) on one of his many trips to Bluewater over the years. If you're enjoying this fishery as much as we are, join NM Muskies Inc todaywww.newmexicomuskiesinc.org By: Matt Pelletier for Fishenchantment.com