What Three Sisters Islands offers anglers

Three Sisters Islands sit in the middle of Elephant Butte Reservoir, roughly equidistant from the dam and the northern end of the lake. The three rocky outcrops rise abruptly from deep water and create a natural gathering point for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and walleye. The islands themselves are off-limits to landing, but the water immediately surrounding them — especially the drop-offs on the north and east sides — holds fish year-round because the structure funnels baitfish and provides shade in the intense New Mexico sun.

The islands are most productive in spring and fall when water temperatures sit between 60 and 75 degrees. Summer fishing is possible but requires early morning or late evening trips to avoid the midday heat and the crowds that gather at the dam. Winter can be good for walleye, though the water temperature drops into the 40s and fish move deeper, making them harder to locate without a depth finder.

Key Takeaways

  • Three Sisters Islands are located in the center of Elephant Butte Reservoir and are surrounded by deep water that holds largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and walleye.
  • The north and east sides of the islands have the steepest drop-offs and are the most productive areas to fish.
  • Spring and fall are the best seasons, when water temperatures range from 60 to 75 degrees and fish are most active.
  • You can fish around the islands from any boat launch on the reservoir, but the trip from the dam takes about 15 to 20 minutes depending on water level.

How to reach Three Sisters Islands from the dam

The dam boat launch is the closest and most reliable access point. From the launch, head north-northwest across the main basin. The islands are visible from most parts of the reservoir on clear days — they look like three distinct rocky humps rising from the water. In low-water years, when the reservoir drops below 2,700 feet elevation, the islands become more prominent and the surrounding structure becomes shallower, which can actually improve fishing because fish concentrate in tighter areas.

The run from the dam takes 15 to 20 minutes in a 16-foot boat at cruising speed. Bring a GPS unit or mark the coordinates (approximately 32.8°N, 107.2°W) because the islands can be hard to spot in fog or from certain angles. The water around the islands is deep — often 40 to 60 feet — so a depth finder is useful for identifying the exact edges of the drop-offs where bass and walleye hold.

Techniques that work around the islands

Largemouth bass respond to crankbaits and soft plastics worked along the drop-offs. Cast parallel to the islands rather than directly at them, and let your lure sink into the deeper water on the outside edge. Smallmouth bass are more aggressive on the rocky faces themselves and will hit tube jigs and small swimbaits. Work these lures slowly and deliberately — smallmouth in deep water are not always in a hurry.

Walleye fishing around Three Sisters is best with live bait or jigging. A live shiner or shad suspended below a slip bobber works well in spring when walleye are shallower. In summer and fall, drop a quarter-ounce jig tipped with a minnow straight down along the drop-off and work it vertically. Walleye often hold 30 to 50 feet deep, so patience and a good depth finder make a real difference.

Topwater lures can be effective early in the morning, especially for largemouth. The islands create a natural current break, and baitfish often gather on the downwind side. A popper or walking bait worked in the slack water can draw strikes from aggressive fish.

Seasonal patterns and water conditions

Spring (March through May) is when the islands are most crowded and most productive. Water temperatures climb from the 50s into the 60s and 70s, and bass move shallow to spawn. Fish the rocky areas and any shallow flats nearby. As the season progresses and water warms into the mid-70s, fish move deeper and bite times narrow to early morning and late evening.

Summer (June through August) is slow during the day but can be excellent at dawn and dusk. The water temperature often exceeds 80 degrees, and fish retreat to deep structure. Walleye become more active in the evening, and smallmouth bass can be found on the deeper drop-offs. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen — there is no shade on the open water.

Fall (September through November) mirrors spring in terms of fish activity. Water temperatures drop back into the 60s and 70s, and fish move shallower again. This is often the best time to visit because the weather is cooler and the reservoir is less crowded than in spring.

Winter (December through February) is quieter but can be productive for walleye. Water temperatures drop into the 40s, and fish move to the deepest parts of the structure. Jigging with live bait is the most reliable method. The reservoir is rarely crowded in winter, and the fishing can be excellent if you are willing to work for it.

What to bring and how to prepare

A 16-foot or larger boat is ideal for the run across open water and for positioning around the islands. Smaller boats can make the trip, but they are more affected by wind and waves. Bring a GPS unit or smartphone with offline maps downloaded, because cell service is spotty on the reservoir. A depth finder is not absolutely necessary, but it will help you locate the drop-offs faster and understand the structure better.

Pack more water than you think you will need — the sun reflects off the water and dehydration happens fast. Sunscreen, a hat, and polarized sunglasses are essential. Bring a variety of lures: crankbaits, soft plastics, jigs, and topwater baits. The islands are exposed to wind, so check the forecast before you leave. Afternoon winds are common in spring and can make the return trip to the dam uncomfortable or unsafe in a small boat.

Fishing pressure and etiquette

Three Sisters Islands attract anglers from across southern New Mexico and west Texas, especially on weekends in spring. The islands are small, and multiple boats can create crowded conditions quickly. If you arrive to find other anglers already working the structure, move to a different side of the islands or try the flats nearby rather than anchoring on top of existing boats.

The islands themselves are protected — do not land on them or attempt to wade. The rocky areas are fragile, and landing is prohibited by New Mexico State Parks. Fish the water around them instead. Respect other anglers' space, and do not cast over their lines or motor through their fishing zones.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of day to fish Three Sisters Islands?

Early morning (sunrise to mid-morning) and late evening (two hours before sunset onward) are most productive, especially in summer when midday heat slows the bite. In spring and fall, fish can be active throughout the day, but the bite is still strongest at the edges of daylight.

Do I need a boat to fish Three Sisters Islands?

Yes. The islands are in the middle of the reservoir, far from shore. You will need a boat to reach them. The dam boat launch is the closest access point and is open year-round.

What size fish can I expect to catch?

Largemouth bass typically range from 2 to 5 pounds, with occasional fish over 6 pounds. Smallmouth bass are usually smaller, 1 to 3 pounds. Walleye average 2 to 4 pounds. The islands hold numbers of fish rather than trophy-sized individuals, but the action is usually steady.

Is there a fee to fish Elephant Butte Reservoir?

Day-use fees apply at the dam boat launch. Fees vary by year and are set by New Mexico State Parks. Check the current rates before you visit. An annual pass is available and may be worth the cost if you plan multiple trips.

Can I fish Three Sisters Islands in winter?

Yes. Winter walleye fishing can be excellent, though water temperatures drop into the 40s and fish are less active. The reservoir is rarely crowded, and the weather is cooler. Bring warm clothing and be prepared for longer waits between bites.