LivewellNew Mexico · Lake
El Vado Lake
Is the fish you caught here safe to eat? Below is every consumption advisory on file for El Vado Lake, by species and size, in plain English — plus what's legal to keep.
1 species with advisories · contaminants: Mercury
What's safe to eat from El Vado Lake
White Sucker
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| 10–14" | General population | Limit to one meal per week due to elevated Mercury. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-09-22
Is it legal to keep?
These are New Mexico's statewide limits — a water-specific rule may override them. Always verify the current regulations before keeping a fish.
| Species | Size | Daily limit | Open season | Keep season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | — | 5 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Brown Trout | — | 5 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Brook Trout | — | 5 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Cutthroat Trout | — | 2 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Lake Trout | — | 2 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Kokanee | — | 5 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Largemouth Bass | 14" min | 5 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Smallmouth Bass | 12" min | 5 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Spotted Bass | 14" min | 5 | Year-round | Same as open |
| White Bass | — | 25 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Striped Bass | — | 1 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Hybrid Striped Bass | — | 25 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Walleye | 14" min | 5 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Northern Pike | — | 10 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Tiger Muskie | 40" min | 1 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Channel Catfish | — | 15 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Flathead Catfish | — | 15 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Yellow Perch | — | 30 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Black Crappie | — | 20 | Year-round | Same as open |
| White Crappie | — | 20 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Bluegill | — | 20 | Year-round | Same as open |
Official rules: New Mexico — New Mexico Game & Fish