Fishing Ute Lake
AKA: Ute Reservoir
Popular Fish Species Ute Lake, NM
Smallmouth Bass Fishing
Very good smallmouth bass fishing is again available at Ute Lake for locals and bass tournament participants as well. 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.
Crappie Fishing
If you like crappie fishing, Ute Lake is a great destination with both black and white crappie residing here. They generally school by species, but once you locate them around cover, you may catch both species due to the fact they often share the same cover. Crappie fishing is on the rise and they can be found in sizeable schools. Crappie always like cover and structure, so locate brush and vegetation. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, which tend to stack vertically around cover. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels in deeper water.
Walleye Fishing
Fishing for walleye at Ute Lake this year has been running from fair to good. 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, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, bluegill and white bass at Ute Lake in New Mexico.
Ute Lake Fishing Video
If you enjoy watersport activities, Ute Lake is a destination to add to your list of favorites. Fishing, boating, sailing, water skiing and swimming are all popular at this 8,200-acre lake in the eastern-central part of the state.
Ute Lake in New Mexico is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of fish species and outdoor activities. The lake is known for its excellent angling opportunities, with species such as largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, catfish, crappie, and white bass attracting anglers of all skill levels.
Largemouth bass are a prized catch in Ute Lake, known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights. The lake's coves, submerged structures, and rocky shorelines provide ideal habitats for these feisty fish. Anglers can use techniques such as casting with jigs, soft plastics, or topwater lures to entice largemouth bass. Ute Lake's abundant bass population makes it an appealing destination for bass fishing enthusiasts.
Smallmouth bass are also abundant in Ute Lake, offering an additional angling opportunity. These hard-fighting fish are often found near rocky areas, points, and drop-offs. Anglers can target smallmouth bass using techniques such as casting with jigs, crankbaits, or tubes. The lake's clear waters and rocky structure provide an ideal habitat for smallmouth bass.
Walleye, known for their delicious fillets and challenging nature, are highly sought-after in Ute 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 adjusting techniques based on seasonal patterns.
Catfish enthusiasts will find Ute Lake to be a rewarding destination. The lake is home to channel catfish and flathead catfish, providing ample opportunities for anglers to target these bottom-dwelling predators. Fishing with stink baits, chicken liver, or cut bait near the lake's bottom can attract catfish. The lake's depths and areas with rocky bottoms or structure attract these catfish, offering anglers the chance to reel in sizable catches.
Crappie and white bass are also present in Ute 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. White bass, known for their schooling behavior and aggressive strikes, can be caught using similar methods. Ute Lake's abundance of crappie and white bass provide exciting fishing opportunities for anglers.
Ute Lake in New Mexico offers excellent fishing opportunities with its diverse fish species and beautiful landscape. Anglers targeting bass, walleye, catfish, crappie, white bass, or other species can enjoy the thrill of the catch while embracing the natural beauty of the lake. Boating facilities and camping amenities further enhance the outdoor experience, making Ute Lake an attractive destination for anglers and nature enthusiasts seeking a memorable fishing adventure and a peaceful retreat in nature.
Fishing enthusiasts can explore 45 miles of shoreline in search of a variety of gamefish. The lake has healthy populations of bass, walleye, crappie, white bass, catfish and sunfish. There is limited access to the shoreline for fishing from the bank, but the adventurous who don't mind a short walk can find places to wet a line. Boaters will find five boat launch ramps and docks available for public use.
Primary fish species residing in Ute Lake
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Ute Lake Amenities
Marina: NO
Boat Rental: NO
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 Ute Lake, with multiple boat ramps 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
Quay Road Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Quay Road Af, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.
South Side Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast corner of the lake, off State Road 552 Exd, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Ute Lake Marina Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off Loop 540, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Ute Lake State Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast corner of the lake, off State Park Road, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Marinas
Ute Lake Marina
100 Marina Lane
Ute Lake State Park
Logan, NM 88426
Fishing Guides On Ute 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 Ute 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
Ute Lake State Park Campground - 575 487-2284
Ute Lake NM Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Ute Lake
Ute Lake State Park
1800 Loop 540
Logan, NM 88426
575 487-2284
Fishing lakes in each state.
062724