Fishing Conchas Lake

AKA: Conchas Reservoir

Popular Fish Species
Conchas Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
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Conchas Lake, NM

Popular Fish Species Conchas Lake, NM

Conchas Lake Popular Fish - Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Conchas Lake continues to sustain a robust smallmouth bass population. Smallmouth bass fishing is particularly good virtually anytime they are shallow. Use shallow spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, crankbaits, tube baits and jerkbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with drop-shot rigs, small worms, jigs and spoons. Largemouth bass also reside here in good numbers. Rock piles and points are prime areas for smallmouth as these areas are also home to crawfish.

Walleye Fishing

Thanks to a significant baitfish for food, walleye are thriving in the fertile waters of Conchas Lake this year. May and June tend to be the best time for weekend anglers to catch them. During this time they tend to move shallower, closer to shore and begin spawning. Rock and gravel are preferred areas for the spawn. 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. Walleye have excellent, low-light vision which helps them find food in deep or murky water. Make an effort to be on the water during low light conditions. 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.

White Bass Fishing

After numerous successful spawning years, white bass are thriving in Conchas Lake and anglers should expect some great fishing this year. White bass are aggressive, hard-fighting and just plain fun to catch. When fishing for white bass, the average fish is typically in the one- to two-pound range. These schooling fish tend to roam around the lake looking for ideal water conditions and baitfish. Look for them to generally be in 15 to 35 feet of water, whether they are hovering around the bottom or swimming in open water. Fish finders are the best way to locate big schools of white bass. Fish near the bottom at night with live bait. In spring, once the water temperature rises into the mid sixties, they move shallow into the backs of coves and creek channels to spawn. When white bass chase schools of bait near the surface, spinners, spoons and small crank baits work well. At this time anglers can fish from shore and often do quite well. Use lures that imitate baitfish, including small crankbaits, small jerkbaits, jigs and spoons.

Conchas Lake Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye and bluegill at Conchas Lake in New Mexico.

Known for enjoyable boating, Conchas Lake is a 9,600-acre lake in the northeast part of the state, 20 miles northwest of Tucumcari. The lake is also home to healthy populations of numerous fish species.

Fish species residing in this warm-water lake include bass, crappie, catfish, walleye and bluegill. About 60 miles of shoreline provide fishing enthusiasts ample places to wet a line. Shoreline fishing is an option at numerous places around the lake for those wishing to fish from the bank. Eight boat launch ramps provide easy launch for all types of watercraft from canoes and kayaks to fishing and pleasure boats.

Primary fish species residing in Conchas Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Conchas Lake Amenities

Marina: NO
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: NO
Restaurant: NEARBY

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Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Bell Pointe Recreation Area Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Cove Boat Ramp Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Southside Recreation Area Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, east side, off Cannon Cove Drive, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.