Fishing Eagle Nest Lake

AKA: Eagle Nest Lake State Park

Most Popular Fish
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Rental Boats
Boat Launch Ramps
Marinas
Local Fishing Guides
Eagle Nest Lake Fishing Video
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

Eagle Nest Lake, NM

Popular Fish Species Eagle Nest Lake, NM

Cutthroat Trout

This year, fishing for cutthroat trout in Eagle Nest Lake is again delivering great results. While the ideal setting for cutthroats is in a river or stream, they are also stocked in reservoirs, like Eagle Nest Lake. For those who enjoy fly fishing, the key is to match the hatch. Like all fish, cutthroat like to have some sort of cover, so they will hang out in boulders, fallen trees, and along drop-offs and ledges. Catching cutthroat trout here with lures or bait is also very productive. Presented properly, cutthroat trout can be caught on small spinners and spoons. This is a very popular lake for ice fishing when the lake freezes over.

Kokanee Salmon

Sockeye salmon which remain landlocked, never migrating to the ocean, are called kokanee salmon. On-going stocking of kokanee salmon by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish helps to maintain a nice population for the fishery. Typically kokanee average one to two pounds. As one of the premiere kokanee fishing lakes in New Mexico, Eagle Nest Lake delivers plenty of fish above normal averages. These tasty fish school in lakes at depths which remain at ideal temperatures of between 48 and 58 degrees. Once this depth is identified, use a fish finder to locate schools. Use small lures trolled at the appropriate depth. The can also be caught using corn, but the main way they are caught is using flashy lures which they attack when the lure intrudes their space. In winter, once the ice is safe, try ice fishing for kokanee.

Northern Pike

Thriving in the cool waters of Eagle Nest Lake, northern pike are a very popular target for local anglers. This year they are being caught in good quantity and some mighty big sizes. April and May are the best months of the year for northern pike fishing here. Summer is spotty but pike can be caught all summer long. Fall can also be good sometimes stretching into early October. Large, flashy lures that mimic the bait they prey upon are great lures for northerns. Effective lures include spoons, spinners, and crankbaits, particularly those with bright colors or metallic finishes to attract the pike's attention. Additionally, big flies, soft plastic swimbaits and jerkbaits can be successful, especially when retrieved erratically to mimic wounded prey. Trolling along weed edges can often entice strikes. When the lake has safe ice in winter, ice fishing for northern pike can be quite thrilling. Use GPS to locate spots you normally find northern pike holding during summer. Portable fish finders can be a big help.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, yellow perch, kokanee salmon and northern pike at Eagle Nest Lake in New Mexico.

At 8,200 feet elevation, Eagle Nest Lake is primarily a fishing lake. The water is a bit too chilly for swimming and water sports. This 2,400-acre lake, in the northeast part of the state, is conveniently located at Eagle Nest.

Eagle Nest Lake in New Mexico is a picturesque destination for fishing enthusiasts, offering a serene setting and diverse fish species. The lake is primarily known for its trout fishing opportunities, with rainbow trout, brown trout, and occasionally cutthroat trout being the main target species. Anglers can experience the thrill of catching these prized trout while surrounded by breathtaking mountain vistas.

Rainbow trout are stocked regularly in Eagle Nest Lake, providing anglers with ample opportunities to land these feisty fish. The lake's cold, clear waters offer excellent trout habitat, and anglers can use various techniques such as trolling, casting with lures or flies, or bait fishing to entice the trout. Whether from the shoreline or a boat, anglers can enjoy a peaceful fishing experience while taking in the scenic beauty of the surrounding Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

Brown trout are another highly sought-after species in Eagle Nest Lake. Known for their cunning nature and large size, brown trout offer a challenge for anglers. Trolling with deep-diving lures or casting with spinners and flies are popular methods for targeting brown trout. The lake's deep pockets, rocky points, and submerged structures provide ideal hiding spots for these elusive fish.

In addition to trout, Eagle Nest Lake is also home to other fish species, including perch and northern pike. Perch can be caught using small jigs or live bait near the lake's bottom. Northern pike, known for their aggressive strikes and strong fights, can be targeted by trolling with large lures or casting with swimbaits.

Eagle Nest Lake in New Mexico provides a rewarding fishing experience with its diverse fish species and stunning mountain backdrop. Anglers targeting trout, perch, or northern pike can enjoy the thrill of the catch while embracing the beauty of the lake's surroundings. Boating amenities and camping options further enhance the outdoor experience, making Eagle Nest Lake an appealing destination for anglers and nature enthusiasts seeking a memorable fishing adventure and a peaceful retreat in the mountains.

Excellent fishing for stocked rainbow trout, cutthroat trout and kokanee salmon is the big draw, plus there is good fishing for northern pike and perch. Virtually all the 16 miles of shoreline is accessible for fishing from the bank. The marina, bait, tackle, boat launch ramp and campgrounds are located at the lake.

Primary fish species residing in Eagle Nest Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Eagle Nest Lake Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Boating is a popular activity on Eagle Nest Lake, and boat ramps are available for easy access to the water. Anglers can navigate the lake's surface, explore different fishing spots, and enjoy the tranquility of the mountain surroundings. Boaters can also engage in recreational activities such as water skiing, tubing, or simply cruising along the calm waters of the lake.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Eagle Nest Cabins & Marina
Rentals: Fishing boats
575 377-6941

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Eagle Nest Lake Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, off Marina Way, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Marinas

Eagle Nest Cabins & Marina
28386 US Hwy 64
Eagle Nest, NM 87718
575 377-6941

Fishing Guides On Eagle Nest Lake, NM

Turquoise Trout Guide Service - trout

Eagle Nest Outfitters, Fishing Guides - trout

Eagle Nest Fly Shack Fishing Guides - trout, northern pike

If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.

Eagle Nest Lake Fishing Video

Fishing License

Click here for a New Mexico Fishing License.

Camping facilities near Eagle Nest Lake allow visitors to extend their stay and fully immerse themselves in the natural surroundings. Campers can set up their tents or park their RVs in designated campgrounds, offering a chance to relax under the starry sky, gather around campfires, and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the area.