New Mexico is a fishing oasis with a variety of options for any angler. The fishing is great from spring to fall, with lovely weather the whole time. Anglers 11 years old or younger always fish for free, as do seniors over the age of 70, but everyone else needs a license. If you wish to have a second rod, you must get a second-rod validation. If you want to fish on U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management lands in New Mexico, you must pay $10 for the Habitat Stamp.
Fishing Spots in New Mexico
Here are some of the best fishing spots in New Mexico. You’ll find plenty of trout fishing in the state, along with a variety of other fish to catch.
Elephant Butte Lake State Park
As this is one of the most popular spots for camping and fishing in New Mexico, holiday weekends usually mean Elephant Butte is crowded with partygoers. The rest of the year, it is a solid fishing and camping spot with all the amenities that you’ll need. Boating activities are encouraged, including water skiing, wind sailing, canoeing, and kayaking. Striped bass are stocked regularly, and if you catch them spawning, you’ll need more than one cooler to take them all home! The nearby town of Truth or Consequences has a world-famous hamburger joint, the Sunset Grill, if you fancy a break from roughing it.
There are several campgrounds at the state park where you can stay. These sites have electric hookups, but not sewer or water.
Navajo Lake State Park
Navajo Lake State Park is the second-largest lake in New Mexico, although it reaches into Colorado as well. Located near the town of Aztec, Navajo Lake has multiple marinas and boat launches available for boat anglers, and there are plenty of great campgrounds available. Navajo Lake is good for brown trout, crappie, and smallmouth bass; night anglers fishing in New Mexico will have fun seeking out the many channel catfish in Navajo Lake.
Heron Lake State Park
Just south of the town of Chama, there is a well-kept secret hidden in the beautiful scenery for fishing and camping in New Mexico. Heron Lake State Park sits amid beautiful pines in northern New Mexico. The lake is peaceful and still, and if you operate a boat, there is a no-wake rule. Canoes and kayaks are ideal for Heron Lake. You’ll find trout and kokanee salmon, and don’t be surprised to see some rare and beautiful wildlife during your stay.
You can camp at the state park campground, where there are electric hookups, showers, and bathrooms.
Abiquiu Lake and Riana Campground
Abiquiu Lake is just a few miles west of its namesake town. The abundance of largemouth and smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, and walleye will give anglers some great fishing spots in New Mexico. Riana Campground is in a stunning location overlooking Abiquiu Lake from a 150-foot bluff. Water skiing and other boating activities are popular, and there are some great hiking trails offering incredible views.
Cochiti Lake Recreation Area
Cochiti Lake is a popular stop for campers and anglers for fishing in New Mexico. Only 50 miles from Albuquerque, there are actually two recreation areas for you to enjoy: Cochiti on the west side and Tetilla Peak on the east side. Both will give you incredible views of the surrounding mountains and the lake. Boating enthusiasts will enjoy the many activities available, including windsurfing. Anglers can count on plenty of bass, channel catfish, and walleye.
Caballo Lake State Park
Caballo Lake is located near the beautiful Caballo Mountains, with 50 miles of shoreline. Boaters will find activities including swimming, sailing, kayaking, and canoeing. You can fish for white bass, crappie, walleye, and catfish. Over a hundred campsites, many with RV hookups, are available.
Where to Fish in New Mexico
New Mexico has many different kinds of fishing available. The lakes and reservoirs in the northern and southern parts are great spots for fly-fishing. The San Juan, Pecos, and Chama Rivers of northern New Mexico will be the best places to try out your new fly rod. Lake fishing can be done right off the bank at most of the lakes in the region, but use a spinning rod or something besides a fly rod.
Camping and Fishing in New Mexico
When deciding where to fish in New Mexico, it’s important to have your fishing license up to date before you set out on your fishing trip. Reserve dry and wet fly-fishing for rivers and creeks, and larger lures and baits for lake fishing.
New Mexico is a picturesque and rugged land. The sunsets in the state are some of the most beautiful in the world. Be sure to pack a digital camera to capture all the amazing wildlife and scenery that you will encounter on your trip. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about fishing.
With an RV rental, your fishing trip will be a little more comfortable! After you’ve spent a long day fishing, grill up your catch right at your campsite. Then, retire inside to enjoy all the comforts of home on board your RV. Plan your perfect fishing getaway with an RV rental from RVshare.
