Not all of the wildlife in New Mexico runs or flies. There’s a great deal of variety to be found in the waters of the state, and the San Juan River is one of the best places to see. The San Juan is a tributary of the Colorado River and runs through San Juan County, New Mexico and San Juan County, Utah. The most popular fishing spot is the 4.25 mile stretch located below the Navajo Dam, next to the town of Aztec. This is considered one of the best trout fishing locations on the continentearlier in the decade, the area was estimated to hold over 80,000 trout (rainbow, cutbow, cutthroat, and brown), averaging 17″ in length.When trout fishing, it’s best to cast your line behind rocks and brush piles, or any other place where the water has slowed and there is a possible hiding place. Salmon egg bait, placed in a natural drift pattern, is one of the best baits, but even this may take several tries. Trout will flee if they sense any shadow or movement, so be sure to wait for the sure thing before reeling it in.Another major fishing area in the state is the Elephant Butte Reservoir, located on the Rio Grande five miles north of Truth or Consequences. If you’re wondering about the town name, the city is a spa city once called Hot Springsit changed its name in 1950 to win a contest run by Ralph Edwards, host of the NBC radio show of the same name. Elephant Butte, on the other hand, is named for a volcanic island in the lake that is said to look like the animal. The reservoir was filled between 1915 and 1916 as part of the Rio Grande Project. Among the species you’ll find in the reservoir are striped, white, and largemouth bass, crappie, walleye, and catfish.Fishing for walleye takes a different style than trout fishing. The most popular baits are jigs, crankbaits, plastic worms, and spoons, depending on the season. Walleye are often found in deeper water. Besides Elephant Butte, you should be able to find them in Ute Lake, Sumner Lake, Conchas Lake, Clayton Lake, Caballo Lake, Brantley Lake, and the Abiquiu Reservoir.All of these locations also provide beautiful landscapes for any companions that might want to come along but aren’t particularly interested in fishing. So, make a day of it and take advantage of New Mexico’s abundant underwater wildlife to get even closer to the heart of the state.