Fishing Fun: 7 New Mexico State Parks to Reel in the Big one

New Mexico's diverse landscapes and abundant waterways make it a haven for fishing enthusiasts. From high-altitude lakes teeming with trout to expansive reservoirs and rivers harboring bass and catfish, the state's many state parks offer a plethora of fishing opportunities.

Here's a guide to some of the best state parks in the Land of Enchantment for fishing fun, whether you’re arriving from a marina or a private boat dock for rent.

1. Elephant Butte Lake State Park

As New Mexico's largest reservoir, Elephant Butte Lake is renowned for its diverse fish population, including white and striped bass, largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, and catfish. The lake's vast expanse accommodates various fishing methods, whether it’s shoreline casting or boat fishing. 

• Water: Fresh
• Key Species: Walleye, catfish, white and striped bass, largemouth and smallmouth bass
• Fishing Type: Boat, kayak, canoe, shore

2. Navajo Lake State Park

Navajo Lake State Park, in the northwest, has the second largest lake in the state. It’s a prime destination for anglers seeking smallmouth bass. The lake holds the state record for the species. The San Juan River below the dam is a world-class trout fishery. It has a 3.5-mile catch-and-release section known for rainbow and brown trout averaging 16 inches. 

• Water: Fresh
• Key Species: Rainbow and brown trout
• Fishing Type: Boat, canoe, kayak, shore

3. Eagle Nest Lake State Park

Located in the Moreno Valley in Eagle Nest, Eagle Nest Lake State Park offers excellent fishing for rainbow trout, kokanee salmon and northern pike. The lake's high elevation ensures cool temperatures, which makes it a popular spot for ice fishing during winter months. ​

• Water: Fresh
• Key Species: Rainbow trout, northern pike, kokanee salmon
• Fishing Type: Boat, kayak, canoe, shore, ice

4. Bluewater Lake State Park

Bluewater Lake in Prewitt is notable for its population of tiger muskie, a hybrid species known for its size and fight. Anglers sailing out from private boat slip rentals can also target rainbow and cutthroat trout and channel catfish. The lake's elevation allows for ice fishing opportunities in winter. 

• Water: Fresh
• Key Species: Tiger muskie, rainbow and cutthroat trout, channel catfish
• Fishing Type: Shore, boat, canoe, kayak, ice

5. Caballo Lake State Park

Located south of Truth or Consequences, Caballo Lake is a warm-water fishery popular for bass and walleye. The lake's varying water levels create diverse habitats that provide anglers with ample opportunities to catch a variety of species. ​

• Water: Fresh
• Key Species: Bass, walleye
• Fishing Type: Boat, shore, canoe, kayak

6. Ute Lake State Park

Situated on the eastern plains in Logan, on a reservoir on the Canadian River, the 8,200-acre Ute Lake is known for its populations of largemouth bass, catfish, crappie and walleye. The lake's extensive shoreline and submerged structures offer excellent fishing spots for both boat and shore anglers. 

• Water: Fresh
• Key Species: Catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, walleye
• Fishing Type: Shore, boat, canoe, kayak

7. Conchas Lake State Park

Conchas Lake, on the Canadian River in Conchas, is a prime location for smallmouth bass fishing. The lake's rocky points, cliff walls and submerged structures provide ideal habitats for bass, making it a favorite among anglers seeking both quantity and quality catches from private boat lifts for rent.

• Water: Fresh 
• Key Species: Smallmouth bass
• Fishing Type: Boat, shore, kayak, canoe