What Rattlesnake Island offers and how to reach it

Rattlesnake Island sits in the middle of Elephant Butte Reservoir, about two miles from the main dam, and holds some of the lake's best structure for largemouth bass and catfish. The island itself is a rocky outcrop with shallow flats on the north side and a sharp drop-off on the south face — the kind of place where bass stage before moving shallow to feed. You reach it by boat from the main marina or the day-use launch near the visitor center; the run takes 10 to 15 minutes depending on water level and which launch you use.

The island is open to fishing but not to landing or camping. You work the water around it — the flats, the drop-off, and the deeper channel on the west side — and then move on. Most anglers fish it as part of a larger pattern around the lake rather than spending an entire day there, which makes sense because the productive zone is relatively small and the fish respond quickly to pressure.

Key Takeaways

  • Rattlesnake Island's north flats hold largemouth bass in early morning and late afternoon, especially in spring and fall when water temperatures drop below 75 degrees.
  • The south face drops into 40 to 50 feet of water and holds catfish and suspended bass, best fished with live bait or jigging presentations.
  • Water level at Elephant Butte fluctuates significantly, which changes the depth and accessibility of the flats — check current conditions before making the trip.
  • The island is exposed and offers no shade or shelter, so bring sun protection and plan your visit for early morning or late afternoon when fish are most active.

The north flats and shallow-water bass

The north side of Rattlesnake Island drops gradually from about 8 feet to 15 feet of water over a distance of 100 to 150 yards. This shallow zone is where largemouth bass hunt in low light — sunrise to mid-morning and again from late afternoon through dark. The bottom is a mix of rock, sand, and sparse vegetation, and bass use the slight depth changes and scattered boulders as ambush points.

Work this area with topwater lures early in the morning, especially during spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) when water temperatures are in the 60s and 70s. Spinnerbaits and crankbaits that run 4 to 8 feet deep also produce, and they let you cover water faster if the bite is slow. Cast parallel to the shoreline rather than straight at it — bass often position themselves 20 to 40 feet out, not right against the rocks.

Summer fishing on the flats is possible but slower because bass move deeper as water temperatures climb above 80 degrees. If you fish midday in June, July, or August, focus on the deeper edge of the flats where the bottom drops off more steeply, and use darker-colored lures that create more vibration and silhouette in bright conditions.

The south drop-off and deep-water structure

The south face of Rattlesnake Island is where the lake bottom falls away sharply. You go from 20 feet to 40 or 50 feet within a short distance, and this transition zone holds catfish year-round and bass during the heat of summer. The rock face itself provides cover, and the depth change creates a natural feeding lane where baitfish get pushed into tighter spaces.

Fish this area with live bluegill or shad on a simple rig — a three-way swivel with a sinker on one leg and a 2-foot leader with a circle hook on the other. Drop it to the bottom and let it sit; catfish will find it. For bass, use a jigging spoon or a shaky-head jig with a soft plastic, and work the lure vertically along the face. The key is staying in contact with the bottom and feeling for the subtle taps that mean a fish has picked up your bait.

This side of the island is also where suspended bass hang during the middle of the day, especially in summer. If you have a fish finder, look for marks in the 25- to 35-foot range and cast a jigging spoon or a lipless crankbait that you can work at that depth. The bite is often slow and deliberate — bass at depth don't chase as aggressively as shallow fish do.

Water level and seasonal timing

Elephant Butte's water level changes throughout the year, and Rattlesnake Island is affected more than most places because it sits in open water rather than in a creek channel. In spring, when the lake is usually fuller, the flats are deeper and fish spread out more. By late summer and fall, when the lake drops, the flats become shallower and more concentrated, which can actually improve the bite because fish have less room to roam.

Check the current water level before you go — the Bureau of Reclamation publishes it daily, and the Elephant Butte marina staff can tell you how the change affects fishing around the island. A drop of 10 feet changes the depth of the north flats from 8 feet to nearly nothing in some spots, which means you may need to adjust your approach or focus on the deeper south side instead.

Spring and fall are the most consistent times to fish Rattlesnake Island because water temperatures are moderate and fish are active across a wider range of depths. Summer can be productive early and late in the day, but midday fishing is slow. Winter fishing is possible but requires patience — bass move deep and eat less frequently, though catfish remain active if you use live bait.

Boat handling and safety around the island

Rattlesnake Island has rocks both above and below the waterline, and the water around it can be choppy when the wind picks up — which it often does in the afternoon. Approach slowly and use your depth finder or polarized sunglasses to spot submerged rocks before you run over them. The north flats are the safest place to anchor or drift because the water is shallower and more forgiving if you misjudge depth.

If you anchor, use a spot in 12 to 15 feet of water on the north side and set your anchor in sand or soft bottom rather than on rock, where it may not hold. The south side is deeper and more exposed to wind, so it is a better place to drift or to work vertically with a jig rather than to anchor and cast.

Bring more water and sun protection than you think you will need — the island offers no shade, and the reflection off the water intensifies the sun's heat. A wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, and at least two quarts of water per person are the minimum. The run back to the marina is into the wind most afternoons, so plan to leave before the wind gets strong, usually by mid-afternoon.

Tackle and bait recommendations

For largemouth bass on the flats, bring a 6.5- to 7-foot medium-power spinning rod with 10- to 12-pound monofilament or braided line. Topwater lures, spinnerbaits, and crankbaits all work; choose based on the time of day and water clarity. Topwater is best in low light; spinnerbaits and crankbaits work throughout the day and in slightly stained water.

For catfish and deep bass, a 7- to 7.5-foot medium-heavy rod with 12- to 15-pound line handles live bait and jigging spoons. Bring live bluegill or shad from the bait shop at the marina — they are more effective than frozen bait for catfish, and they also attract bass. A simple three-way rig with a 1- to 2-ounce sinker and a circle hook in the 2/0 to 4/0 range is all you need.

Jigging spoons in 1/2- to 1-ounce sizes work for both bass and catfish in deep water. Silver and white are good all-around colors; add a shaky-head jig with a 3- to 4-inch soft plastic if you want a slower-falling option that bass often prefer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of day to fish Rattlesnake Island?

Early morning (sunrise to 9 a.m.) and late afternoon (4 p.m. to dark) are most productive for largemouth bass on the flats. Catfish bite throughout the day and night, so if you are targeting them, time of day matters less than bait quality and location.

Do I need a boat to fish Rattlesnake Island?

Yes. The island sits about two miles from shore in open water, so you must launch a boat from the main marina or the day-use ramp. There is no shore access to the island itself.

Can I land on Rattlesnake Island?

No. The island is closed to landing and camping. You fish the water around it from your boat and then move on or return to the marina.

What happens if the lake level drops significantly?

The north flats become shallower, which can concentrate fish but also makes navigation trickier. The south drop-off remains fishable at any level. Check the current water level before you go so you can plan your approach.

Are there other islands or structure near Rattlesnake Island worth fishing?

Yes. Elephant Butte has several creek channels, rocky points, and submerged structure throughout the lake. The marina staff and local guides can point you toward other productive areas if Rattlesnake Island is crowded or the bite is slow.