This catch-photo-release tournament is open to any angler in any kind of water craft that isn’t gas-powered —(electric-powered allowed) — canoe, kayak, rowboat, etc—fishing with one rod at a time.
Email EBkayakT@gmail.com or call 575-744-4185 for more information.
2026 Kayak Fishing Tournament Schedule
Friday May 15
6-7pm – registration & mandatory board checks at the Elephant Butte Lake State Park’s Training Center
7pm – registration closes; captain’s meeting 7-8pm
Saturday May 16
5:45am – legal launch and first cast
3pm – fishing ends
4pm – off the water
4:30pm – deadline for photo submissions
5pm – social gathering at the VFW, 1301 Hwy 195, Elephant Butte, NM 87935
6pm – awards ceremony, VFW
Kayak launching spots include Marina del Sur, Rock Canyon, Dam Site Marina and shoreline areas such as as Dirt Dam, Lions Beach, Rattlesnake Island, Hot Springs Landing Cove, Long Point, Lost Canyon, Three Sisters and Monticello South Point. Be aware of soft sand areas to avoid getting stuck even with 4-wheel drive.
Cash totaling over $5000 dollars is awarded to the top ten participants. Scores are calculated by totaling the five longest fish lengths (smallmouth, largemouth and white bass only).
