Fishing Santa Rosa Lake
AKA: Santa Rosa Lake State Park
Popular Fish Species Santa Rosa Lake, NM
Smallmouth Bass Fishing
Smallmouth bass are a favorite of many locals at Santa Rosa Lake, as they are tough fighters and exciting to catch. 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. Largemouth bass also reside here in good numbers.
Largemouth Bass Fishing
Santa Rosa Lake continues to deliver good catches of largemouth bass, as has been the case for several years now. Thorough fisheries management by the New Mexico Department of Game & Fish has maintained a quality bass fishery providing both quantity and quality for anglers. Smallmouth bass also reside here in good numbers. Recent results by locals, and bass fishing tournament participants, attest to the fact that fishing for largemouth bass has been quite rewarding lately. A significant number of larger bass also roam these waters, so there is always the potential for catching a lunker. Bass often move shallow and become fairly aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. If you find them shallow, and they seem disinterested in your presentations, try slowing down and use smaller, lighter baits. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, big worms, jigs and spoons are three good options. In winter, spend your time fishing Santa Rosa Lake on deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time. Fishing for largemouth bass can range from fair to very good here, year round.
Walleye Fishing
Thanks to good fisheries management by the New Mexico Department of Game & Fish, a healthy population of walleye are thriving in the waters of Santa Rosa Lake this year. May and June tend to be the best time for weekend anglers to catch them. During this time they tend to move shallower and closer to shore. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. As always, stay around schools of baitfish. They are eager to feed throughout the lake, but tend to concentrate around structure on points, flats and ledges off the river channels. A proven method for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, white crappie, walleye, rainbow trout and bluegill at Santa Rosa Lake in New Mexico.
Santa Rosa Lake Fishing Video
Loaded with a wide variety of fish species, Santa Rosa Lake is a 3,800-acre lake in the east-central part of the state, at Santa Rosa. Use the boat ramp to launch canoes, kayaks, pleasure craft, pontoons and fishing boats.
Santa Rosa Lake in New Mexico is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts, offering a variety of fish species and recreational activities. The lake is known for its excellent angling opportunities, with species such as largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, catfish, and crappie attracting anglers of all skill levels.
Largemouth bass are highly sought-after in Santa Rosa Lake, known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights. Anglers can explore the lake's coves, submerged structures, and rocky shorelines to find these prized game fish. Techniques such as casting with jigs, soft plastics, or topwater lures can entice largemouth bass to bite. The lake's diverse habitat provides ample opportunities to catch these exciting fish.
Smallmouth bass also inhabit Santa Rosa Lake, offering an additional angling opportunity. These hard-fighting fish can be found along rocky points, drop-offs, and underwater structures. Anglers can target smallmouth bass using techniques such as casting with jigs, crankbaits, or tubes. The lake's clear waters and rocky terrain make it an ideal location for smallmouth bass enthusiasts.
Walleye, known for their delicious fillets and challenging nature, are another prized species found in Santa Rosa Lake. These elusive predators can be targeted by trolling with deep-diving crankbaits, casting with jigs, or live bait fishing near drop-offs and submerged structures. Successful walleye fishing often requires understanding their behavior and preferred habitats, as well as adjusting techniques based on seasonal patterns.
Catfish are abundant in Santa Rosa Lake, providing anglers with additional opportunities. Channel catfish and flathead catfish can be caught using various bait presentations such as stink baits, chicken liver, or cut bait. The lake's depths and areas with rocky bottoms or structure attract these bottom-dwelling fish, offering anglers the chance to reel in sizeable catfish.
Crappie can also be found in Santa Rosa Lake, adding to the angling diversity. Anglers can target crappie using techniques such as vertical jigging or casting with small jigs near submerged structures, brush piles, or areas with vegetation. Crappie provide a fun-filled fishing experience for anglers of all ages.
Santa Rosa Lake in New Mexico offers a rewarding fishing experience with its diverse fish species and picturesque environment. Anglers targeting bass, walleye, catfish, crappie, or other species can enjoy the thrill of the catch while embracing the beauty of the lake and its surrounding landscape. Boating facilities and camping amenities further enhance the outdoor experience, making Santa Rosa Lake an attractive destination for anglers and nature enthusiasts seeking a memorable fishing adventure and a peaceful retreat in nature.
Anglers can cruise the over 20 miles of shoreline in search of bass, catfish, crappie, walleye, trout and sunfish. There is no marina or rental boats, so com prepared to be self sustaining. In nearby Santa Rosa there are restaurants, stores and lodging.
Primary fish species residing in Santa Rosa Lake
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Santa Rosa Lake Amenities
Marina: NO
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: NO
Restaurant: NEARBY
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boating is a popular activity on Santa Rosa 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 scenic beauty of the surrounding landscape. Boaters can also engage in recreational activities such as water skiing, tubing, or simply cruising along the calm waters of the lake.
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Juniper Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, at the east end of the dam, off State Route 91, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Fishing Guides On Santa Rosa Lake
If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a New Mexico Fishing License.
Camping facilities near Santa Rosa Lake allow visitors to extend their stay and fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area. 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 lake and its surroundings.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Santa Rosa Lake State Park Campground - 575 472-3110
Santa Rosa Campground & RV Park - 575 472-3126
Santa Rosa Lake NM Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Santa Rosa Lake
Santa Rosa Lake State Park
NM Highway 91
Santa Rosa, NM 88435
575 472-3110
Fishing lakes in each state.
070524
Santa Rosa Lake in NM
NEW MEXICO
Fishing for bass, catfish, crappie, walleye, trout and sunfish in east-central NM.