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New Mexico · Fishing
Fence Lake sits in the high plains of Catron County, a quiet corner of western New Mexico that doesn't get nearly the traffic of the state's more publicized fishing destinations.
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Fence Lake sits in the high plains of Catron County, a quiet corner of western New Mexico that doesn't get nearly the traffic of the state's more publicized fishing destinations. The fishing here centers on lake angling, with Fence Lake itself the obvious starting point, but the surrounding area gives you real options: Chimney Lake, Peñasco Lakes, and Upper Galestina Number 7 Reservoir are all within reach and worth building a multi-day trip around. These are all still-water fisheries, so your approach stays consistent whether you're working from the bank or a small watercraft. Elevation keeps summer temperatures manageable when lower-elevation waters are cooking, and the lack of crowds means you're not fighting for a spot on the bank. This is practical, unhurried fishing in a part of New Mexico that rewards people who do a little planning. Bring what you need because services in and around Fence Lake are limited, and cell coverage is unreliable. If you're driving out from Albuquerque or Socorro, factor in the distance and road conditions, especially after wet weather on unpaved sections.
All the listed fisheries in this area are lake fishing destinations, including Fence Lake itself, Chimney Lake, Peñasco Lakes, and Upper Galestina Number 7 Reservoir. You won't find river or stream fishing in this immediate cluster, so bring gear suited for still water: spinning rigs, bait setups, or light casting gear work well from the bank or a small boat.
Late spring through early fall is generally the most productive window. Ice-out conditions in spring can trigger active feeding, and the high elevation keeps summer water temperatures cooler than lower-elevation lakes in New Mexico. Early morning and late afternoon are consistently the most productive times of day for lake fishing in this region.
Peñasco Lakes
~10 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NM.
El Caso I-IV Campground
~1h 11m drive
A worthwhile stop near NM.
Peñasco Lakes
~11 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NM.
Chimney Lake
~12 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NM.
Sokno Lake
~14 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NM.
Fence Lake
~18 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NM.
Laguna Colorada
~22 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NM.
Upper Galestina Number 7 Reservoir
~27 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NM.
Chical Lake
~41 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NM.
San Antone Lake
~42 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NM.
Lake Armijo
~42 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NM.
Cat Lake
~45 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NM.
Yes, a valid New Mexico fishing license is required to fish any of these waters. Licenses are available through the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish online or at authorized vendors. Check current regulations before your trip, as rules on bag limits and gear can vary by specific water body.
Fence Lake is a small, rural community in Catron County with very limited services. Plan to arrive with all your food, fuel, and tackle, and don't count on reliable cell service for navigation or emergencies. A paper map or downloaded offline maps are worth having, and if you're fishing multiple lakes like Upper Galestina Number 7 Reservoir or Chimney Lake, confirm road conditions locally before heading out.
Lake fishing from the bank is one of the more approachable formats for newer anglers, and the low crowds around these waters mean you can take your time without pressure. A simple bait setup with a bobber is a reasonable starting point. The main challenge for beginners is logistical rather than technical: the remoteness means you need to be self-sufficient and prepared before you arrive.
