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New Mexico · Fishing
Fishing around Gallup, New Mexico means lake fishing, full stop. The four lakes in the area — Samson Lake, Black Lake, Red Lake, and Mariano Lake — sit at high desert elevations and offer a quieter, more self-directed experience than the crowded reservoirs you find elsewhere in the Southwest.
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Fishing around Gallup, New Mexico means lake fishing, full stop. The four lakes in the area — Samson Lake, Black Lake, Red Lake, and Mariano Lake — sit at high desert elevations and offer a quieter, more self-directed experience than the crowded reservoirs you find elsewhere in the Southwest. These are not trophy-fishing destinations with guided fleets; they are accessible, relatively uncrowded spots where you can show up with a rod, a valid New Mexico fishing license, and a reasonable amount of patience and have a productive day. Mariano Lake is on the Navajo Nation, which means you will need a Navajo Nation fishing permit in addition to your state license — that is a common point of confusion for visitors and worth sorting out before you drive out there. Red Lake is also on Navajo land and the same permit requirement applies. Samson Lake and Black Lake draw anglers from Gallup itself and tend to be the most straightforward access-wise. The high desert climate means mornings and evenings are your best windows, especially in summer when midday heat pushes fish deeper and makes standing on an exposed bank genuinely unpleasant. Spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons overall and tend to produce more consistent results.
For Mariano Lake and Red Lake, yes. Both are on the Navajo Nation, so you need a Navajo Nation fishing permit in addition to your New Mexico state license. You can purchase Navajo Nation permits through the Navajo Nation Department of Fish and Wildlife. Samson Lake and Black Lake do not require the additional tribal permit.
Spring and fall are the most reliable seasons. Summer fishing is doable but the high desert sun makes midday uncomfortable and fish tend to go deep once temperatures climb. Winter can be productive on mild days, but ice and road conditions at some of these lakes can be a factor in January and February.
Samson Lake
~26 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NM.
Red Lake
~27 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NM.
Buell Park
~31 min drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Sage Lake
~34 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NM.
Quartzite Wash Reservoir
~35 min drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Black Lake
~37 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NM.
Mariano Lake
~53 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NM.
Milk Lake
~57 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NM.
Turkey Reservoir
~1h 1m drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Nutria Reservoir Number 3
~1h 8m drive
A worthwhile stop near NM.
Smith Lake
~1h 11m drive
A worthwhile stop near NM.
Flat Rock Reservoir
~1h 14m drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Early morning and the two hours before sunset are your best windows, particularly in summer. Fish are more active in lower light and cooler temperatures, and you will have a more comfortable experience on the bank.
A medium-light spinning setup covers most situations at these high desert lakes. Bring a range of options including small jigs, PowerBait-style dough baits, and spinners. A simple bobber-and-worm rig is a reliable fallback, especially if you are fishing with kids or newer anglers.
Samson Lake and Black Lake are the most straightforward to reach from Gallup. Mariano Lake and Red Lake require driving on roads that can become rough or muddy after rain, so a higher-clearance vehicle is worth having if you plan to visit those spots. Check road conditions locally before heading out, especially in monsoon season from July through September.
