The 9 Best Fishing Lakes in New Mexico

Discover the best fishing lakes in New Mexico with this comprehensive guide. From the Gila River to Elephant Butte Lake, get the scoop on the top spots for year-round fishing and the best techniques to use. Read on to learn more about the best fishing lakes in New Mexico.

Eagle Nest Lake

Eagle Nest Lake is located in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of northeastern New Mexico, at an elevation of 8,500 feet. It is the deepest lake in the state, measuring at over 700 feet deep.

Types of fish: Rainbow trout, brown trout, northern pike, and kokanee salmon
Types of fishing: Fly fishing, trolling, baitcasting, and spin casting
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available from campground concessionaire
Fishing Guide Service: Available upon request
Closest Hotels: Eagle Nest Lake State Park Lodge and Cimarron Canyon State Park Lodge
Nearest Fishing Store: The Little Red Store, 29.5 miles away
Basic Fishing Regulations: All New Mexico fishing regulations apply
Amenities: Picnic tables, campgrounds, a marina, and a boat launch
Nearest Gas Station: Eagle Nest Lake Store & Gas, 3 miles away

Caballo Lake

Caballo Lake is a reservoir on the Rio Grande in South Central New Mexico. It covers an area of 8,500 acres with a maximum depth of 44 feet.

Types of fish: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Crappie, Bluegill, Sunfish and Catfish
Types of fishing: Casting and trolling
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available at nearby marinas
Fishing Guide Service: Available upon request
Closest Hotels: Caballo Lake State Park, Elephante RV Park and Las Palomas Caballo Lake
Nearest Fishing Store: Caballo Supermarket, 6 miles away
Basic Fishing Regulations: All New Mexico fishing regulations apply
Amenities: Picnic tables, campgrounds, a marina, and a boat launch
Nearest Gas Station: El Paso Market and Store, 5 miles away

Ute Lake

Ute Lake is located in Quay County near the city of Logan, in eastern New Mexico. It is about 8,400 acres in size and has a maximum depth of 120 feet.

Types of fish: Black bass, white bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill, and trout
Types of fishing: Bank fishing and boat fishing
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available at nearby marinas
Fishing Guide Service: Available upon request
Closest Hotels: Ute Lake State Park and the Logan Municipal Campground
Nearest Fishing Store: Ute Trading Post, 15 miles away
Basic Fishing Regulations: All New Mexico fishing regulations apply
Amenities: Picnic tables, campgrounds, a marina, and a boat launch
Nearest Gas Station: Ute Lake Grocery & Deli, 6 miles away

Mogollon Pond

Mogollon Pond is located in the high desert country of southwestern New Mexico. It covers an area of over 800 acres and has a maximum depth of 44 feet.

Types of fish: Rainbow trout, bluegill, and largemouth bass
Types of fishing: Bank fishing and wading
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available at nearby marinas
Fishing Guide Service: Available upon request
Closest Hotels: Gila National Forest Lodge and La Paloma Hot Springs & Spa
Nearest Fishing Store: Gila Trading Post, 30 miles away
Basic Fishing Regulations: All New Mexico fishing regulations apply
Amenities: Picnic tables, campgrounds, and a boat launch
Nearest Gas Station: Mimbres Shell Station, 9 miles away

Santa Rosa Lake

Santa Rosa Lake is located in eastern New Mexico, near the town of Santa Rosa, at an elevation of 3,000 feet. It is an artificial lake covering an area of 5,200 acres.

Types of fish: Rainbow trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, bluegill, and crappie
Types of fishing: Bank fishing, boat fishing, and fly fishing
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available at nearby marinas
Fishing Guide Service: Available upon request
Closest Hotels: Santa Rosa Lake State Park, Santa Rosa Lodge and Lakeside RV Park
Nearest Fishing Store: Santa Rosa Trading Post, 2.7 miles away
Basic Fishing Regulations: All New Mexico fishing regulations apply
Amenities: Picnic tables, campgrounds, a marina, and a boat launch
Nearest Gas Station: Quik Stop, 2 miles away

Conchas Lake

Conchas Lake is located in San Miguel County in northern New Mexico, at an elevation of 4,900 feet. It covers an area of over 18,000 acres and has a maximum depth of 93 feet.

Types of fish: Walleye, white bass, catfish, bluegill, and crappie
Types of fishing: Bank fishing, boat fishing, and trolling
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available at nearby marinas
Fishing Guide Service: Available upon request
Closest Hotels: Conchas Lake State Park and the Bunk House Bed & Breakfast
Nearest Fishing Store: Corrales Trading Post, 60 miles away
Basic Fishing Regulations: All New Mexico fishing regulations apply
Amenities: Picnic tables, campgrounds, a marina, and a boat launch
Nearest Gas Station: Conchas Lake Inn, 1.4 miles away

Heron Lake

Heron Lake is located in Rio Arriba and San Juan counties in northern New Mexico, at an elevation of 7,441 feet. It is an artificial lake covering an area of 4,000 acres.

Types of fish: Cutthroat trout, Kokanee salmon, and northern pike
Types of fishing: Fly fishing and trolling
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available at nearby marinas
Fishing Guide Service: Available upon request
Closest Hotels: Chama River Canyon Wilderness Retreat and Chama River Ranch RV Park
Nearest Fishing Store: The Trading Post, 15 miles away
Basic Fishing Regulations: All New Mexico fishing regulations apply
Amenities: Picnic tables, campgrounds, a marina, and a boat launch
Nearest Gas Station: Chama Trading Post, 4 miles away

Lake Malone

Lake Malone is located in Lincoln County in south-central New Mexico. It is an artificial lake covering an area of over 300 acres with a maximum depth of 20 feet.

Types of fish: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, Catfish, and Sunfish
Types of fishing: Bank fishing and boat fishing
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available at nearby marinas
Fishing Guide Service: Available upon request
Closest Hotels: Lake Malone State Park, Twin Oaks Motel, and White’s City RV Park
Nearest Fishing Store: The Tackle Shack, 15.9 miles away
Basic Fishing Regulations: All New Mexico fishing regulations apply
Amenities: Picnic tables, campgrounds, a marina, and a boat launch
Nearest Gas Station: Lugo’s Food and Fuel, 6.3 miles away

Coyote Creek Lake

Coyote Creek Lake is located in Curry County in eastern New Mexico, at an elevation of 4,800 feet. It is an artificial lake covering an area of 1,000 acres with a maximum depth of 18 feet.

Types of fish: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Bluegill, and Catfish
Types of fishing: Bank fishing, boat fishing, and fly fishing
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available at nearby marinas
Fishing Guide Service: Available upon request
Closest Hotels: Cannon Air Force Base Visitor Center, Clovis Inn, and Clovis Comfort Suites
Nearest Fishing Store: The Outdoorsman, 3.2 miles away
Basic Fishing Regulations: All New Mexico fishing regulations apply
Amenities: Picnic tables, campgrounds, and a boat launch
Nearest Gas Station: Conoco, 1.4 miles away

Sumner Lake

Sumner Lake is located in De Baca County in eastern New Mexico, at an elevation of 4,100 feet. It is an artificial lake covering an area of over 9,000 acres with a maximum depth of 30 feet.

Types of fish: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, Walleye, Catfish, and Sunfish
Types of fishing: Bank fishing and boat fishing
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available at nearby marinas
Fishing Guide Service: Available upon request
Closest Hotels: Sumner Lake State Park and Fort Sumner Motel
Nearest Fishing Store: Fort Sumner Tackle & Bait, 2.6 miles away
Basic Fishing Regulations: All New Mexico fishing regulations apply
Amenities: Picnic tables, campgrounds, a marina, and a boat launch
Nearest Gas Station: Fort Sumner Chevron, 2.5 miles away

Navajo Lake

Navajo Lake is located in San Juan County in northwest New Mexico, at an elevation of 6,000 feet. It is an artificial lake covering an area of 15,000 acres with a maximum depth of 200 feet.

Types of fish: Kokanee salmon, rainbow trout, brown trout, and northern pike
Types of fishing: Fly fishing, trolling, baitcasting, and spin casting
Fishing Equipment Rental: Available at nearby marinas
Fishing Guide Service: Available upon request
Closest Hotels: Navajo Lake State Park, El Vado Lake State Park, and Quality Inn & Suites
Nearest Fishing Store: Upper San Juan River Trading, 7 miles away
Basic Fishing Regulations: All New Mexico fishing regulations apply
Amenities: Picnic tables, campgrounds, a marina, and a boat launch
Nearest Gas Station: Navajo Lake Marina, 0.5 miles away

Find Good Fishing Spots in New Mexico and Other Nearby Lakes on The Map

Are you looking for a new and exciting fishing destination? Look no further than New Mexico! With its many lakes, rivers, and mountain streams, New Mexico offers some of the best fishing locations in the country. Check out the Google Map below to explore other lakes and good fishing locations. From small ponds to vast reservoirs, you are sure to find a spot to fish in New Mexico that suits your needs. So, don’t wait any longer, grab your rod and reel and explore the amazing fishing opportunities New Mexico has to offer.

Check the Weather Forecast for Your Next Fishing Trip to New Mexico

The weather in New Mexico is highly varied due to its diverse geography and climate. Though the state experiences all four seasons, temperatures tend to remain warm throughout the year. This makes sport fishing a viable option year-round, though the best time of year to go fishing is typically from spring to late fall. The winter months can be quite cold, especially in the mountainous regions, so it’s important to dress appropriately if you intend to go fishing during this time.