Red Bluff Reservoir is the southernmost lake in New Mexico and a geographic record-holder – sitting at the lowest elevation in the state, on the Pecos River right at the New Mexico-Texas line. A big, warm desert reservoir of more than 11,000 acres, it straddles both states and offers developing bass and white-bass fishing in the wide-open country south of Carlsbad. This guide is part of our growing New Mexico Lakes Database.
- Red Bluff Reservoir at a glance
- The lowest, southernmost lake in New Mexico
- Fishing Red Bluff Reservoir
- Boating, camping and recreation
- Water level
- Getting there and what’s nearby
- Know before you go
- Frequently asked questions
- Where is the lowest point in New Mexico?
- What fish are in Red Bluff Reservoir?
- Where is Red Bluff Reservoir?
Red Bluff Reservoir at a glance
- Surface area: ~11,193 acres (spanning New Mexico and Texas)
- Depth: maximum ~77 ft
- Elevation: ~2,842 ft – the lowest point in New Mexico
- Location: Eddy County, NM (and Loving & Reeves counties, TX), on the Pecos River
- Top fish: white bass, largemouth bass (developing), catfish
The lowest, southernmost lake in New Mexico
Red Bluff holds two distinctions: at about 2,842 feet it sits at the lowest elevation in New Mexico, and it’s the state’s southernmost reservoir. Built on the Pecos River for irrigation, it spans the New Mexico-Texas border, so the lake is shared between the two states. The big, warm, open water sits in stark Chihuahuan Desert country – a very different lake from New Mexico’s cold mountain reservoirs to the north.
Fishing Red Bluff Reservoir
After refilling in 2015-2016, the lake has developing populations of white bass and largemouth bass, along with catfish. A New Mexico fishing license is required for the New Mexico waters (a Texas license applies on the Texas side – check boundary rules). The warm, fertile water can grow fish quickly, though the lake’s level and salinity fluctuate with the Pecos. It’s a developing fishery worth watching.
Boating, camping and recreation
The area provides camping, picnicking, boating, fishing and wildlife watching, with public access on the New Mexico (BLM) and Texas sides. The big open water suits powerboating and fishing, but it’s remote desert country, so come prepared with supplies, water and sun protection. There’s no developed swim beach in the New Mexico portion.
Water level
Red Bluff is an irrigation reservoir on the often-low Pecos River, so its level fluctuates significantly with runoff and water use – it can drop considerably in dry years. Check current conditions before a trip.
Getting there and what’s nearby
Red Bluff Reservoir is in southeastern Eddy County, New Mexico, on the Texas line about 40 miles north of Pecos, Texas, and southeast of Carlsbad. Carlsbad, Carlsbad Caverns and the Pecos River corridor are nearby.
Know before you go
- Fishing license: a New Mexico license is required (Texas license on the Texas side) – note the boundary.
- Remote desert lake: bring water, fuel and sun protection.
- Fluctuating level: the Pecos reservoir level varies a lot – check before launching.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the lowest point in New Mexico?
Red Bluff Reservoir, on the Pecos River at the New Mexico-Texas line, at about 2,842 feet – the lowest elevation in the state.
What fish are in Red Bluff Reservoir?
Developing populations of white bass and largemouth bass, plus catfish.
Where is Red Bluff Reservoir?
In southeastern Eddy County, New Mexico, on the Texas border about 40 miles north of Pecos, Texas, southeast of Carlsbad.
Related: explore more of the largest lakes in New Mexico, or head back to the New Mexico Lakes Database.
Explore more New Mexico lakes: the largest lakes in New Mexico and the deepest lakes in New Mexico.
