Fishing Eagle Nest Lake

AKA: Eagle Nest Lake State Park

Popular Fish Species
Eagle Nest Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
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Eagle Nest Lake, NM

Popular Fish Species Eagle Nest Lake, NM

Eagle Nest Lake Popular Fish - Cutthroat Trout

Cutthroat Trout Fishing

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.

Eagle Nest Lake Popular Fish - Kokanee Salmon

Kokanee Salmon Fishing

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.

Eagle Nest Lake Popular Fish - Northern Pike

Northern Pike Fishing

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.

Eagle Nest Lake Fishing Video

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.

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.

Fishing report for Eagle Nest 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

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