The project at Bill Evans Lake improved habitat for several sport fish species, such as largemouth bass, channel catfish, rainbow trout and bluegill by increasing spawning areas for adult fish and hiding areas for juvenile fish. Artificial structures that are less likely to be snagged by anglers were sunk at strategic points near the shore to attract fish, ultimately improving angling and catch rates at Bill Evans Lake WMA.
In unison with the habitat project, the department is also planning to build a new boat ramp and alter much of the shoreline around Bill Evans Lake to improve angler access to areas by smoothing the slope of the shoreline, adding walking paths, improving the road around the lake and adding boulder/gravel fishing jetties.
Similar habitat projects are underway at Lake Carlsbad and Lower Tansill Lake. With the help of the New Mexico Chapter of B.A.S.S. Nation and the city of Carlsbad, the department has begun to improve fish habitat structures in these lakes. These habitat projects are aimed at increasing spawning areas, boosting the food sources of all the fish in the lakes and improving overall fishing.
Read the full article at: https://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/adventure/habitat-projects-across-the-state-benefit-both-fish-and-anglers/article_f13f158e-aee8-11ec-b42a-53cfc5628200.html