Fishing Sumner Lake

AKA: Lake Sumner

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

Sumner Lake, NM

Popular Fish Species Sumner Lake, NM

Sumner Lake Popular Fish - Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass Fishing

One of the best kept secrets at Sumner Lake is the great bass fishing. Smallmouth bass fishing at Sumner Lake are tough fighters and exciting to catch. Fishing for smallmouth bass is good anytime they are shallow - in spring, during high water, mornings in summer and during warmer fall afternoons. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap, and around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with small worms, jigs and spoons. Largemouth bass and spotted bass also reside here in good numbers.

Walleye Fishing

A healthy population of walleye are thriving in the waters of Sumner 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 and closer to shore. 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. 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.

Crappie Fishing

Although crappie fishing here is not as good as it was in the glory days, there is still good fishing for both black and white crappie. They generally school by species, but once you locate them around cover, you may catch both species due to the fact they often share the same cover. Crappie fishing is on the rise and they can be found in sizeable schools. Crappie always like cover and structure, so locate brush and vegetation. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, which tend to stack vertically around cover. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels in deeper water.

Fish species to fish for...

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

Sumner Lake Fishing Video

If you enjoy fishing for a wide variety of fish species, you'll love Sumner Lake - a 4,500-acre lake in the east-central part of the state, 15 miles northwest of Fort Sumner. There are many access points along the over 30 miles of shoreline for fishing from the bank.

Sumner Lake in New Mexico is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts, offering a variety of fish species and outdoor activities. The lake is known for its excellent angling opportunities, with species such as largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, catfish, crappie, and white bass drawing anglers from near and far.

Largemouth bass are a prized catch in Sumner Lake, known for their aggressive strikes and powerful fights. The lake's coves, submerged structures, and rocky shorelines provide ideal habitats for these feisty fish. Anglers can use techniques such as casting with jigs, soft plastics, or topwater lures to entice largemouth bass. The lake's diverse structure and ample vegetation make it an exciting location for bass fishing.

Smallmouth bass can also be found in Sumner Lake, offering an additional angling opportunity. These hard-fighting fish are often found near rocky areas, points, and drop-offs. Anglers can target smallmouth bass using techniques such as casting with jigs, crankbaits, or tubes. The lake's clear waters and rocky structure make it an ideal spot for smallmouth bass enthusiasts.

Walleye, known for their delicious fillets and challenging nature, are highly sought-after in Sumner Lake. These elusive predators can be targeted by trolling with deep-diving crankbaits, casting with jigs, or live bait fishing near drop-offs and submerged structures. Successful walleye fishing often requires understanding their behavior and adjusting techniques based on seasonal patterns.

Catfish are abundant in Sumner Lake, providing anglers with additional opportunities. Channel catfish and flathead catfish can be caught using various bait presentations such as stink baits, chicken liver, or cut bait. The lake's depths and areas with rocky bottoms or structure attract these bottom-dwelling fish, offering anglers the chance to reel in sizable catfish.

Crappie and white bass can also be found in Sumner Lake, adding to the angling diversity. Anglers can target crappie using techniques such as vertical jigging or casting with small jigs near submerged structures, brush piles, or areas with vegetation. White bass, known for their schooling behavior and aggressive strikes, can be caught using similar methods. The lake's abundance of crappie and white bass provide exciting fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels.

Sumner Lake in New Mexico offers excellent fishing opportunities with its diverse fish species and beautiful desert landscape. Anglers targeting bass, walleye, catfish, crappie, white bass, or other species can enjoy the thrill of the catch while embracing the natural beauty of the lake. Boating facilities and camping amenities further enhance the outdoor experience, making Sumner Lake an attractive destination for anglers and nature enthusiasts seeking a memorable fishing adventure and a peaceful retreat in nature.

The boat ramps are open for launching fishing boats, canoes, kayaks, pontoons and pleasure boats. Choose to fish for walleye, bass, crappie, trout, sunfish and catfish, all the while enjoying the great views.

Primary fish species residing in Sumner Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Sumner Lake Amenities

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

Today's Weather & Forecast

Boating is a popular activity on Sumner 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 scenic beauty of the surrounding desert landscape. Boaters can also engage in recreational activities such as water skiing, tubing, or simply cruising along the calm waters.

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

East Side Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off Eastside Campground Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Main Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, off Westside Campground Loop, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Fishing License

Click here for a New Mexico Fishing License.

Camping facilities near Sumner 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

Sumner Lake State Park Campground - 575 355-2541