New Mexico Wildlife Department Seeks Public Input on Hybrid Striped Bass Stocking

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The New Mexico Department of Wildlife is proposing to stock hybrid striped bass, also known as wipers, into Elephant Butte Reservoir and is providing the public with an opportunity to comment on the plan. The Department will hold a public meeting on March 5 in Elephant Butte Lake State Park where community members can learn about the proposal and share their feedback. Those unable to attend can also submit comments by email or mail until March 18.

Why it matters

Introducing new fish species can have significant ecological impacts on existing aquatic ecosystems, so public input is crucial to ensure the Department's plan aligns with the community's values and concerns for Elephant Butte Reservoir.

The details

The public meeting will take place from 6-7 p.m. on March 5 in the Boat Training Building at Elephant Butte Lake State Park. Community members are invited to attend and provide comments on the proposal to stock hybrid striped bass, also called wipers, in the reservoir. Those unable to attend can submit comments by email to DGF-Fisheries-Management@dgf.nm.gov or by mail to the New Mexico Department of Wildlife, Attn: Elephant Butte Hybrid Striped Bass, 1 Wildlife Way, Santa Fe, NM 87507.

• The public meeting will be held on March 5, 2026 from 6-7 p.m.
• The Department will accept written comments until March 18, 2026.

What’s next

The Department will review all public comments received by the March 18 deadline before making a final decision on whether to proceed with stocking hybrid striped bass in Elephant Butte Reservoir.