What Long Point Offers

Long Point is a developed boat launch and day-use area on the north shore of Elephant Butte Reservoir, about 8 miles north of the dam. The point juts into the lake and gives you quick access to shallow flats and deeper channel water without a long run across open water. The launch ramp is concrete, maintained year-round, and has parking for truck-and-trailer rigs. This is a straightforward place to launch and fish — no overnight camping, no facilities beyond the ramp and a small parking area.

The water around Long Point breaks into three distinct zones: the shallow flats immediately off the point (2 to 6 feet), the drop-off along the north shore (6 to 15 feet), and the main channel running east-west through the middle of the reservoir (15 to 40 feet). Each zone holds different fish at different times of year, and knowing which zone to work saves you hours of unproductive casting.

Key Takeaways

  • Long Point has a concrete boat ramp suitable for trailers, with day-use parking but no overnight camping or amenities beyond the launch area.
  • Largemouth bass hold in shallow flats and around submerged brush in spring and early summer, then move to deeper channel water and shade in July and August.
  • Walleye fishing is most consistent in the main channel at dawn and dusk, especially in fall and winter when they move shallower than they do in summer.
  • The north shore drop-off is a reliable transition zone year-round, holding both bass and walleye depending on season and time of day.
  • Water level at Elephant Butte fluctuates significantly — check the current level before you go, because it changes where fish hold and which shallow areas are fishable.

Largemouth Bass Around the Shallow Flats

The flats extending north and east from Long Point hold largemouth bass from March through June. In spring, bass move into water 2 to 4 feet deep to spawn and feed on shad and bluegill. Work the edges of submerged brush with soft plastics — 4-inch worms rigged Texas-style or small crankbaits that rattle and draw strikes from aggressive pre-spawn fish. Early morning and late afternoon are most productive, but spring bass will bite all day if the water is still cool.

By mid-June, as water temperature climbs into the mid-80s, bass retreat from the flats into deeper water and shade. The shallow zone becomes less reliable, though you can still find fish in the thickest brush or under overhanging banks. If you are fishing Long Point in summer, focus your effort on the drop-off and channel instead.

Fall brings bass back to the shallows as water cools. September and October are excellent months — the flats warm up during the day and cool at night, triggering feeding windows at dawn and dusk. Topwater plugs and walking baits work well when the sun is low.

The North Shore Drop-Off and Transition Water

The drop-off running along the north shore is the most consistent zone at Long Point across all seasons. It is the boundary between shallow flats (4 to 6 feet) and deeper channel water (12 to 20 feet), and fish use it as a highway and feeding ground. Bass, walleye, and catfish all patrol this edge.

In spring and fall, work the drop-off with crankbaits and soft plastics. Cast parallel to the shore and let your lure track down the slope — you will feel the bottom transition and can adjust your retrieve to keep the bait in the strike zone. In summer, the drop-off holds bass early and late in the day; at midday, fish move deeper into the channel.

Walleye use the drop-off year-round, especially at dawn and dusk. Live shiners or shad work best, but jigs tipped with minnow heads are more efficient if you are casting repeatedly. The drop-off is also where catfish hunt at night — set out rod holders with live bluegill or shad and wait for the run.

Main Channel Water and Deeper Structure

The main channel running through the middle of Elephant Butte is 15 to 40 feet deep and holds walleye, striped bass, and catfish. From Long Point, the channel is a 10- to 15-minute run depending on which direction you head. Walleye are most active at dawn and dusk; stripers bite throughout the day but are easier to locate at first light.

Walleye in the channel respond to live bait — shiners or shad suspended below a slip sinker or fished on a jig. Stripers are more aggressive and will chase crankbaits and swimbaits. If you are targeting stripers, use larger baits (3 to 4 inches) and work faster than you would for walleye. Catfish in the channel are nocturnal; fish after dark with cut shad or chicken liver.

The channel bottom is irregular — old creek beds, humps, and flats create pockets where fish concentrate. A depth finder is essential here. Spend time mapping the bottom structure before you start fishing; the time invested pays off in consistent catches.

Seasonal Patterns and Water Level

Elephant Butte's water level is managed for irrigation and flood control, and it swings 20 to 30 feet between wet years and dry years. The current level determines where fish hold and which areas are even fishable. In low-water years, the shallow flats may be too shallow to navigate safely, and fish concentrate in the deepest available water. In high-water years, fish spread out across newly flooded shallow areas.

Check the reservoir level before you launch — the Bureau of Reclamation posts current levels online, and the difference between 2,400 feet and 2,350 feet elevation changes the entire fishery. Local tackle shops in Truth or Consequences (the nearest town, about 20 miles south) can tell you what is working and where fish are holding at the current level.

Spring (March to May) is the most reliable season at Long Point. Water is cool, fish are feeding heavily, and the shallow flats are productive. Summer (June to August) is slower — fish move deep and bite is concentrated in early morning and late evening. Fall (September to November) is excellent again as water cools. Winter (December to February) is slow but not impossible; walleye and catfish bite, but you need patience and the right conditions.

What to Bring and How to Prepare

Long Point is a day-use area with no facilities. Bring your own water, sunscreen, and food. The ramp is exposed to sun and wind — there is no shade. In summer, the parking area gets hot; park in the shade if you can, and leave your vehicle windows cracked or shaded to keep the interior manageable.

The launch ramp is concrete and well-maintained, but Elephant Butte is a large reservoir and wind can build quickly. Check the forecast before you go, especially in spring and fall when afternoon winds are common. If you are launching a small boat or kayak, be aware that the main lake can get rough — stay near Long Point or the north shore if conditions are uncertain.

Bring a depth finder if you have one — it is not essential for fishing the flats, but it is invaluable for finding structure in the channel and drop-off. Polarized sunglasses help you see fish in shallow water. A tackle box with soft plastics, crankbaits, jigs, and live bait rigs covers most situations.

Getting There and Timing Your Visit

Long Point is accessed via New Mexico Highway 195, which runs along the north shore of Elephant Butte. From Truth or Consequences, take Highway 195 north about 8 miles; the launch area is marked with a sign. The drive from town takes 15 to 20 minutes. The ramp is open during daylight hours year-round.

Plan to arrive at dawn if you are targeting walleye or early-morning bass. The first two hours after sunrise are often the most productive. If you are fishing the flats for bass in spring, you can fish all day, but early morning and late afternoon are best. In summer, plan to launch before dawn and fish until mid-morning, then either leave or switch to deeper water and catfish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Long Point better than other launches on Elephant Butte?

Long Point is good for day fishing and has a solid ramp, but it is not the only option. Elephant Butte Dam has a larger ramp and more parking; Caballo Lake (just downstream) has different fish and less crowding. Long Point is best if you want quick access to shallow flats and the north shore — it is centrally located and straightforward.

What is the best time of day to fish Long Point?

Dawn to mid-morning is most productive year-round. Walleye and stripers bite hardest in the first two hours after sunrise. Bass bite all day in spring and fall, but summer bass are concentrated at dawn and dusk. If you can only fish one time slot, make it first light.

Do I need a boat to fish Long Point?

A boat gives you access to the channel and drop-off, but you can fish the shallow flats from shore or a kayak. The shoreline near the launch is fishable, and a kayak lets you reach the flats and drop-off without a motor. If you are targeting walleye or stripers in the channel, you need a boat.

What license do I need to fish Elephant Butte?

You need a New Mexico fishing license. Day licenses and annual licenses are available online through the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, or at tackle shops in Truth or Consequences. Non-residents and residents have different rates.

How deep does the water get at Long Point?

The flats off Long Point are 2 to 6 feet deep. The drop-off slopes to 12 to 20 feet. The main channel is 15 to 40 feet deep depending on location and current water level. Depth varies with reservoir level — check current conditions before you go.