Quick Facts

• Location: Eagle Nest, New Mexico 87718
• Type: Mountain reservoir
• Water Type: Eagle Nest Lake
• Access: Public fishing opportunities around Eagle Nest Lake State Park and designated access areas
• Fishing License: New Mexico fishing license requirements apply
• Best For: Trout, kokanee salmon, yellow perch and northern pike
• Best Time to Fish: Year-round, with techniques changing by season and ice conditions
• Common Species: Rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, yellow perch and northern pike
• Tackle Style: Light to medium freshwater tackle
• Fishing Style: Shore, boat and seasonal ice fishing
• Night Fishing: Check current state park and fishing regulations
• Amenities: State park recreation, boat access, camping and shoreline fishing opportunities nearby

Overview

Eagle Nest Lake is a high-elevation reservoir in the Moreno Valley of northern New Mexico and one of the state’s distinctive cold-water fishing destinations. Surrounded by mountain scenery, the lake supports a diverse fishery that includes trout, kokanee salmon, yellow perch, and northern pike.

The lake provides opportunities for shore anglers as well as boat fishermen, while winter conditions can create a very different fishing experience when safe ice develops and seasonal regulations allow.

Fishing Tips

For rainbow trout, try small spoons, spinners, jigs, or bait from shore. Yellow perch can often be targeted with smaller presentations near the bottom.

Northern pike anglers can use larger spoons, swimbaits, and other moving lures. Kokanee tactics and productive depths change seasonally, so anglers targeting salmon should adjust according to current water temperature and fish location.

Bottom Line

A premier northern New Mexico mountain reservoir offering trout, kokanee salmon, perch, pike, shore fishing, boating, and seasonal cold-weather opportunities.