 Elephant Butte Dam and Reservoir, features of the Rio Grande Project, are on the Rio Grande, 125 miles north of El Paso, Texas. Recreation at Elephant Butte Reservoir is managed by the New Mexico State Parks under agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation.
Elephant Butte Dam, constructed between 1911 and 1916, was a major engineering feat in its day. The enormous concrete dam is the major feature of the Elephant Butte National Register Historic District. New Mexico State Parks operates a visitor center that contains information on the construction of the dam.
Elephant Butte Reservoir is the largest reservoir and the largest state park in New Mexico. The 36,000-acre reservoir created in 1916 across the Rio Grande, is 40 miles long with more than 200 miles of shoreline. Fishing opportunities are available for stripped bass, white bass, crappie, largemouth bass, walleye, and catfish. There are over 200 camping and picnicking sites and 3 developed camps on the lake, along with concession-operated marinas and stores.
Best fishing is late April through August. Entry fees charged. Good access roads. Nearest full-service community is Truth or Consequences, 7 miles south. The smaller town of Elephant Butte is located adjacent to the State Park.
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