Eagle Nest Lake
Located in the Village of Eagle Nest
Eagle Nest Lake, NM
Eagle Nest Lake is celebrated for its stunning views and vibrant ecosystem. The Lake spans approximately 2,200 acres and is situated at an elevation of 8,200 feet. This serene lake is a perfect getaway for outdoor enthusiasts, offering an array of recreational activities, particularly fishing, amidst the backdrop of majestic mountains and lush forests. Notably, Eagle Nest Lake sits between two of New Mexico's highest peaks, Baldy Peak at 12,441 ft and Wheeler Peak at 13,161 ft. It serves as a cool retreat to escape the summer heat or transforms into a winter wonderland, making it an attractive destination year-round.
History
Eagle Nest Lake was founded in 1916 with an approval to dam up the Cimarron River. The dam was completed by 1918, featuring a 42-foot wide base that climbs 140 feet above where the creek bed used to be. At 400 feet wide, it is thought to be the largest privately built dam in the United States.
Fishing Opportunities
Fishing at Eagle Nest Lake is a popular activity, attracting anglers from all over. The lake is well-stocked with a variety of fish species, making it an ideal spot for both novice and experienced fishermen. There are fishing opportunities from the shore, off a boat, or through the ice during the winter if the lake freezes over.
Types of Fish: The lake is home to several species, including:
Rainbow Trout
Kokanee Salmon
Northern Pike
Yellow Perch
Wildlife Present
The area surrounding Eagle Nest Lake is rich in wildlife, making it a haven for nature lovers. Visitors may encounter:
Bird Species: Including eagles, ospreys, pelicans, and various songbirds, perfect for birdwatching enthusiasts.
Mammals: Such as deer, elk, mountain lions, and even the occasional bear, adding to the area's diverse fauna.
Eagle Nest Lake Angler's Guide
Month | Quality | Water Conditions & Notes | Target Species | Flies & Conventional Tackle |
Jan - Mar | Good | Ice Fishing Season. Stable ice. | Trout, Salmon, Perch | Flies: Micro Jigs (through ice). Conventional: Tubes, Spoons, Jigs tipped with Salmon Eggs or Corn. |
April - May | Good to Excellent | Ice-Out/Spring Feeding. Fish shallow. | Trout, Salmon, Pike | Flies: Woolly Buggers, Scuds, Pike Streamers. Conventional: Worms, Powebait Trolling (Pop-Gear/Spiners), Casting Spinners (Pike). |
June - Aug | Good to Excellent | Mid-Summer. Fish move deeper by July. | Trout, Salmon, Pike | Flies: Deep Trolling Flies, Terrestrials. Conventional: Worms, Powebait Trolling (Downriggers necessary mid-summer), Casting large Spoons (Pike). |
September - Oct | Excellent | Fall Turnover/Pike & Trout Peak. | Trout, Salmon, Pike | Flies: Streamers, Egg Patterns. Conventional: Trolling or Casting large Spoons (for Pike), PowerBait/Worms (for shore Trout). |
Nov - Dec | Good to Fair | Late Fall/Early Ice. Variable conditions. | Trout, Pike | Flies: Midges, Leeches (deep). Conventional: Jigging Spoons/Tubes (deep), PowerBait (near bottom). |
Gear Recommendations for Eagle Nest Lake
Eagle Nest Lake is a premier high altitude stillwater fishery. Whether you are fishing from the bank near the boat ramps or trolling from a vessel, the Eagle Nest wind and the lake's depth require a specific tactical approach compared to our local streams.
Rod & Reel Setup
The Multi-Purpose Powerhouse: A 9 foot or 10 foot 6 weight rod is the tool of choice. The extra length helps with longer casts from the bank, and the 6-weight backbone is essential for fighting the wind and turning over heavy streamers or multi-fly indicator rigs.
The Pike Hunter: If you are specifically targeting the lake's Northern Pike, step up to an 8 weight or 9 weight rod to handle large, wind resistant "bushy" flies and the aggressive head shakes of a trophy fish.
Reel: A high quality disc drag reel is non negotiable. Eagle Nest trout are famous for long, sustained runs across the open water that will quickly expose a weak drag system.Pike are known for explosive head shakes and powerful initial runs; you need a drag system that won't stutter under pressure.
Fly Lines & Depth Control
Stillwater fishing is all about finding the right depth. We recommend carrying two spools:
Floating Line (WF): Essential for fishing Chironomids (midges) under an indicator or casting dries during a hatch.
Intermediate or Type 3 Sinking Line: Crucial for "stripping" streamers or leeches along the bottom contours and weed edges where the trout and Pike patrol.
Leaders/Tippet: * Trout: 9ft to 12ft leaders tapered to 3X or 4X.
Pike: A wire bite guard is required to prevent those sharp teeth from snapping your line.
Boating & Bank Essentials
Waders: Even if you aren't "wading," chest waders act as a windbreak and keep you dry when launching boats or dealing with lakeside spray.
Net: Bring a long handled, rubber mesh landing net. Trying to land a 20-inch Rainbow from a high bank or boat without a net often results in a lost fish.
Polarized Sunglasses: Copper or Bronze lenses are best for cutting through the surface glare to spot weed lines and cruising fish in the shallows.
Safety & The "Eagle Nest Factor"
The Wind: Eagle Nest is notorious for sudden, high velocity winds. If you are in a float tube or small boat, always keep an eye on the clouds over Wheeler Peak. If the whitecaps start, head to shore immediately.
Sun Protection: The reflection off the water at 8,200 feet doubles your UV exposure. Buffs, sun gloves, and high SPF sunscreen are mandatory gear.
Life Jackets: If fishing from any watercraft (including float tubes), a PFD is required by state law and is common sense on this cold, deep lake.
Pro-Tip for Eagle Nest:
"Stillwater trout move in 'cruising lanes.' Instead of casting constantly, find a rocky point or a weed edge and wait. If you see one fish rise or cruise by, a whole school is likely following the same path. Patience beats distance every time here."