Texas · Fishing
Fishing in El Paso, Texas
El Paso is not the first city most anglers think of when planning a Texas fishing trip, but the city maintains a handful of small reservoirs that give locals and visitors a legitimate place to wet a line without driving hours into the desert.
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El Paso is not the first city most anglers think of when planning a Texas fishing trip, but the city maintains a handful of small reservoirs that give locals and visitors a legitimate place to wet a line without driving hours into the desert. Fusselman Reservoir, Woods Reservoir, Oxidation Pond, Riverside Reservoir, Mesa Reservoir, and Mulberry Reservoir make up the core of what is available within city limits, and all six are classified as lake fishing spots. These are urban and peri-urban impoundments, not remote wilderness lakes, so expectations should be set accordingly. What they offer is convenience: you can be fishing within minutes of most El Paso neighborhoods. The high desert climate shapes everything here. Summer surface temperatures climb fast, which pushes fish into deeper water or into early-morning and late-evening feeding windows. Winter fishing is genuinely viable given the mild El Paso winters, and cooler water temperatures can actually improve catch rates compared to the brutal summer months. A valid Texas fishing license is required at all of these locations. Because these are managed city reservoirs rather than natural lakes, access points, hours, and stocking schedules can change, so checking with the City of El Paso Parks and Recreation or Texas Parks and Wildlife before your trip is worth the five-minute phone call.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a Texas fishing license to fish at El Paso's city reservoirs?
Yes, a valid Texas fishing license is required at all six reservoirs listed here, including Fusselman, Woods, Riverside, Mesa, Mulberry, and Oxidation Pond. Texas Parks and Wildlife licenses can be purchased online, at most sporting goods stores, or through the TPWD mobile app. There is no city-specific exemption for these urban impoundments.
What is the best time of day to fish these El Paso reservoirs?
Early morning and the hour or two before sunset are the most productive windows, especially from late spring through early fall when midday air temperatures regularly exceed 95 degrees Fahrenheit and warm the shallow water quickly. In winter, midday fishing can actually be productive because the sun warms the water enough to trigger feeding activity in what are otherwise cold-blooded fish.
What gear setup makes sense for these urban lake fishing spots?
A light to medium spinning rod in the 6- to 7-foot range handles most situations at these reservoirs. Simple rigs like a bobber with a worm, small jigs, or PowerBait-style dough baits are practical choices for stocked impoundments. Heavy surf or fly gear is not necessary and would be awkward on the smaller water bodies like Oxidation Pond.
Are these reservoirs stocked, and how do I find out when stocking happens?
Texas Parks and Wildlife does stock urban lakes in the El Paso area, but specific stocking schedules and quantities for individual reservoirs are not published far in advance. The TPWD website maintains a stocking report that is updated regularly, and searching by county is the most reliable way to see recent activity before you make the drive.
Are these fishing spots suitable for kids or beginners?
Yes, the flat, accessible banks of most of these city reservoirs make them reasonable choices for beginners and families with children. You do not need a boat, and the fishing is generally straightforward. Oxidation Pond and the smaller impoundments in particular are low-pressure environments where a basic setup and some patience is all that is required.
