Fishing Navajo Lake

AKA: Navajo Reservoir

Popular Fish Species
Navajo Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Fishing Boat Rentals
Marinas
Boat Launch Ramps
Local Fishing Guides
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

Navajo Lake, NM

Popular Fish Species Navajo Lake, NM

Navajo Lake Popular Fish - Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout Fishing

This year, fishing for rainbow trout in Navajo Lake is on the rise. Catching rainbow trout here often involves using small spinners, spoons, and crankbaits in vibrant colors to mimic their preferred prey. Additionally, floating or sinking flies, such as nymphs, streamers, or dry flies, are popular choices for fly anglers targeting rainbow trout. Trolling with lures or flies behind a boat, casting near shoreline structures, or still fishing with bait can all yield success. Adjusting lure size, color, and retrieve speed can enhance chances of enticing these colorful and spirited fish.

Navajo Lake Popular Fish - Northern Pike

Northern Pike Fishing

Thriving in the cool waters of Navajo 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, Fall can be good as well sometimes stretching into as late as October. Fishing for northern pike can give you the thrill of a lifetime when you hook a big one. 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.

Navajo Lake Popular Fish - Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Smallmouth bass are a favorite of many locals at Navajo Lake, as they are plentiful and easy to catch, once located. Fishing for smallmouth bass is good anytime they are shallow - in spring, during high water, mornings in summer and during warmer fall afternoons. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap, and around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with small worms, jigs and spoons. Other bass to be caught here include largemouth bass and spotted bass.

Navajo Lake Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, white crappie, rainbow trout, brown trout, bluegill, kokanee salmon and northern pike at Navajo Lake in New Mexico.

A haven for boating, camping and fishing, Navajo Lake is a 15,000-acre lake on the northern border of the state. It is the second largest lake in the state and boasts nearly 160 miles of shoreline. For fishing enthusiasts it is a dream destination that offers both warm-water and cold-water fish species. Check out fishing reports for popular species at this lake. The lake offers a diverse population of fish species, including smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, walleye, northern pike, crappie, and catfish.

Primary fish species residing in Navajo Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Navajo Lake Amenities

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

Today's Weather & Forecast

Fishing Boat Rentals

Navajo Lake Marina
Rentals: Bass boats and pontoon boats
505 632-3245

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Navajo Lake Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, off State Route 511, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with docks and massive, paved parking.

Sims Mesa Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off State Route 527, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Marinas

Navajo Lake Marina
#42 CR 4110
Navajo Dam, NM 87419
505 632-3245