Fishing At Santa Rosa Lake

AKA: Santa Rosa Lake State Park

What 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.

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.

Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Lake Video
Contact Info

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Click here for a New Mexico Fishing License.