Fishing Heron Lake

AKA: Heron Reservoir

Most Popular Fish
Heron Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Fishing Boat Rentals
Boat Launch Ramps
Marinas
Local Fishing Guides
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

Heron Lake, NM

Popular Fish Species Heron Lake, NM

Rainbow Trout Fishing

This year, fishing for rainbow trout in Heron Lake is on the rise. Fish for rainbow trout here with worms, salmon eggs, prepared baits, small spinners, spoons, jerkbaits and small crankbaits in vibrant colors to mimic their preferred prey. Additionally, floating or sinking flies, such as nymphs, streamers, or dry flies, are popular choices for fly anglers targeting rainbow trout. Trolling with lures or flies behind a boat, casting near shoreline structures, or still fishing with bait can all yield success. Adjusting lure size, color, and retrieve speed can enhance chances of enticing these colorful and spirited fish. When the lake freezes over, try your luck at ice fishing.

Heron Lake Popular Fish - Kokanee Salmon

Kokanee Salmon Fishing

Sockeye salmon which remain landlocked, never migrating to the ocean, are called kokanee salmon. On-going stocking of kokanee salmon by the New Mexico Department of Game & Fish helps to maintain a nice population for the fishery. Typically kokanee average one to two pounds. As one of the top kokanee fishing lakes in New Mexico, Heron Lake delivers plenty of fish above normal averages. These tasty fish school in lakes at depths which remain at ideal temperatures of between 48 and 58 degrees. Once this depth is identified, use a fish finder to locate schools. Use small lures trolled at the appropriate depth. The can also be caught using corn, but the main way they are caught is using flashy lures which they attack when the lure intrudes their space. In winter, once the ice is safe, try ice fishing for kokanee.

Lake Trout Fishing

Year round, fishing for lake trout in Heron Lake is often quite good and the fish are plentiful. These large trout can be caught from as shallow as 15 feet in Spring and Fall, to as deep as 40 feet during Summer and Winter. It is a monumental help to use fish finders, or other electronics to help in locating these roaming schools of lake trout. They feed on baitfish, so jigs rigged to imitate their prey often work well straight down under the boat. Trolling with numerous set-ups can also produce good catches. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing for big lake trout with spoons can deliver some great catches.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for rainbow trout, brown trout, lake trout and kokanee salmon at Heron Lake in New Mexico.

Heron Lake Fishing Video

A local favorite cold-water lake, Heron Lake is a 5,900-acre lake offering good trout fishing and kokanee salmon fishing. In winter when there is safe ice, decent ice fishing opportunities also exist.

Heron Lake in New Mexico is a picturesque destination for fishing enthusiasts, offering a serene setting and diverse fish species. The lake is known for its excellent trout fishing opportunities, with rainbow trout, brown trout, and kokanee salmon being the primary target species. Anglers can experience the thrill of catching these prized fish while surrounded by the beauty of the surrounding mountains and forests.

Rainbow trout and brown trout are regularly stocked in Heron Lake, providing anglers with ample opportunities to land these feisty fish. The lake's deep, cold waters and rocky shorelines offer ideal habitat for these trout species. Anglers can use various techniques such as trolling, casting with lures or flies, or bait fishing to entice the trout. Whether from the shoreline or a boat, anglers can enjoy a peaceful fishing experience while taking in the scenic beauty of the surrounding landscape.

Kokanee salmon are another popular species found in Heron Lake. These landlocked salmon provide an exciting angling opportunity for both novice and experienced anglers. Anglers can target kokanee salmon by trolling with small spoons, dodgers, or hoochies behind downriggers or lead core lines. The depths at which kokanee salmon are found can vary depending on the time of year and water conditions. The presence of kokanee salmon adds an extra dimension to the fishing experience at Heron Lake and offers the chance to reel in these vibrant, hard-fighting fish.

Heron Lake in New Mexico provides a rewarding fishing experience with its diverse fish species and scenic environment. Anglers targeting trout or kokanee salmon can enjoy the thrill of the catch while embracing the beauty of the lake and its surrounding mountains. Boating amenities and camping options further enhance the outdoor experience, making Heron Lake an attractive destination for anglers and nature enthusiasts seeking a memorable fishing adventure and a peaceful retreat in nature.

At an elevation over 7,000 feet the lake is located in the north-central part of the state, at Tierra Amarilla. About 35 miles of shoreline can be explored by boat, and much of the lake can be accessed for fishing from the bank. Four boat launch ramps and four docks are available to assist boat owners. Canoes and kayaks can be portaged from several convenient locations around the lake. Local fishing guides offer a variety of package deals.

Primary fish species residing in Heron Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Heron Lake Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: NEARBY
Restaurant: NEARBY

Today's Weather & Forecast

Boating is a popular activity on Heron Lake, and boat ramps are available for easy access to the water. Anglers can navigate the lake's surface, explore different fishing spots, and enjoy the tranquility 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

Heron Lake Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, off State Route 95, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Fishing Guides On Heron 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 Heron 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

Heron Lake State Park Campground - 575 588-7470