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Eagle Nest Lake

Boat Ramps
3
Access Points
5
Species
10

Eagle Nest Lake is a stunning high-altitude fishery nestled at 8,200 feet in the scenic Moreno Valley of northeastern New Mexico. This 2,400-acre alpine lake is primarily dedicated to fishing, as its cool waters are too chilly for swimming and other water sports. Surrounded by striking mountain views and abundant wildlife, Eagle Nest Lake offers excellent fishing opportunities with approximately 16 miles of accessible shoreline. The lake's location and elevation create a unique alpine fishing environment that draws anglers seeking a peaceful and rewarding experience in one of New Mexico's premier fishing destinations.


Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at Eagle Nest Lake and what's needed to catch them.

Fish stocking schedule

Latest 5 stockings

  • Rainbow Trout1,998 fish · 7.9 inOct 28, 2026
  • Rainbow Trout10,001 fish · 8.0 inOct 27, 2026
  • Rainbow Trout7,500 fish · 11.3 inOct 21, 2026
  • Rainbow Trout4,342 fish · 10.5 inOct 15, 2026
  • Rainbow Trout4,161 fish · 10.6 inOct 14, 2026

Source

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

Updated Nov 13, 2026. Sizes are the length the agency reports. Dates are as precise as the agency reports them.

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Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Eagle Nest Lake. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Know where you can legally fish on Eagle Nest Lake

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

New Mexico licenses and regulations

New Mexico Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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New Mexico Fishing License

While fishing in New Mexico, anglers 12 years and older must possess a valid New Mexico Fishing License or Game-hunting & Fishing License. Licenses are valid April 1 through March 31 of the following year. A New Mexico Fishing License is not required on tribal reservations and private Class-A lakes.

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New Mexico Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

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New Mexico Stream Access Laws

Criminal trespass consists of knowingly entering or remaining upon posted private property without possessing written permission from the owner or person in control of the land. The provisions of this subsection do not apply if: 1) the owner or person in control of the land has entered into an agreement with NMDGF granting access to the land to the general public for the purpose of taking any game animals, birds or fish by hunting or fishing; or 2) a person is in possession of a landowner license given to him by the owner or person in control of the land that grants access to that particular private land for the purpose of taking any game animals, birds or fish by hunting or fishing. It is unlawful to knowingly enter upon any private property to hunt, capture, take, attempt to take, or kill any game animal, furbearer, game bird, or game fish without possessing written permission from the landowner or person in control of the land or trespass rights unless otherwise permitted in rule or statute.

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Take Eagle Nest Lake with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

  • Use the map without signal

    Download the map around Eagle Nest Lake to use it offline when coverage drops.

  • Log your catches here

    Keep a private fishing journal for Eagle Nest Lake to find where and when fish are biting for you.

  • HD depth charts from Garmin

    Find drop offs, ledges, channels, points and shallow flats with Garmin depth charts in the app.

Get the onWater Fish app

Free on iOS and Android

Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)

See the best times to fish Eagle Nest Lake and check the forecast before you go.

CIMARRON RIVER BELOW EAGLE NEST DAM, NM

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