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New Mexico · Fishing
Cimarron sits in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in northeastern New Mexico, and the fishing here is almost entirely lake-based.
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Cimarron sits in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in northeastern New Mexico, and the fishing here is almost entirely lake-based. The four lakes in and around town — Munn Lake, La Grulla Lake, Beatty Lakes, and Adams Lake — are small, high-country stillwaters that tend to hold cold water well into summer, which matters in a region where valley temperatures climb fast by June. Most of these lakes sit within or adjacent to Philmont Scout Ranch and Valle Vidal, so access rules vary and it pays to confirm who manages the water you're planning to fish before you show up with a rod. None of the listings here carry a gold-medal or wild-trout designation, so expect stocked fish rather than a trophy wild fishery — but that also means these lakes are genuinely approachable for anglers of any skill level. A basic New Mexico fishing license is required for anyone 18 or older, and some waters may require a separate land-access permit depending on ownership. The Cimarron area rewards anglers who do a little homework before the trip: access points, stocking schedules, and private-land boundaries all shift, and a quick call to the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish or the managing landowner can save a wasted drive.
It depends on the specific lake. Some waters near Cimarron fall on private or semi-private land, including Philmont Scout Ranch, which controls access to several drainages in the area. Always confirm land ownership and any required access permits before your trip — a New Mexico fishing license alone may not be enough.
These are stocked stillwaters, so rainbow trout are the most common target. Stocking schedules are managed by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, and timing varies by season and water conditions. Check the NMDGF website or call their Raton office for current stocking reports before you go.
Purgatoire Campground
~1h 2m drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Beatty Lakes
~1 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NM.
Cabresto Lake
~22 min drive
Moderate
Red River - Main Street Access
~26 min drive
Easy
Blue Lake Campground - San Isabel NF
~1h 9m drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Shuree Lakes Fishing
~8 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NM.
Rio Grande - Orilla Verde Recreation Area
~1h 9m drive
Moderate
Charette Lakes
~1h 6m drive
Easy
Bear Lake Campground
~1h 10m drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Adams Lake
~20 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NM.
Goose Lake Fishing
~32 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NM.
Munn Lake
~22 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NM.
A light to medium spinning rod in the 6- to 7-foot range handles most situations on these small mountain lakes. Inline spinners, small spoons, and PowerBait-style dough baits all produce on stocked trout. If you prefer fly fishing, a 4- or 5-weight rod with a floating line and small wet flies or nymphs is a reasonable choice.
Early morning and late afternoon are consistently the most productive windows, especially in summer when midday sun warms the shallower water and pushes fish deeper. Spring and fall allow for more flexibility since surface temperatures stay cooler throughout the day.
Yes, stocked lake fishing is about as accessible as it gets for new anglers or younger kids. The lakes are small enough that you don't need a boat, and shore fishing with simple bait rigs works fine. Just make sure you've sorted out access and licensing ahead of time so the day goes smoothly.
