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New Mexico · Fishing
Las Vegas, New Mexico sits at the edge of the Sangre de Cristo foothills, and the fishing around town is almost entirely lake-based — five stillwater spots within a short drive of the plaza.
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Las Vegas, New Mexico sits at the edge of the Sangre de Cristo foothills, and the fishing around town is almost entirely lake-based — five stillwater spots within a short drive of the plaza. Storrie Lake and McAllister Lake are the two you'll hear about most, both managed by New Mexico State Parks and stocked regularly through the season. Goetsch Lake, Bentley Lake, and Laguna La Monia round out the options and tend to see less pressure, which matters on a busy weekend. The elevation here runs well above 6,000 feet, so summer mornings are cool enough to fish comfortably and the water stays reasonable into late fall. Most of these lakes are accessible without a long hike, making them practical for anglers who want to spend time fishing rather than getting there. A New Mexico fishing license is required for anyone 18 and older, and you'll want to check the current New Mexico Department of Game and Fish regulations for bag limits and any site-specific rules before you go. If you're driving in from Albuquerque or Santa Fe, the trip is under two hours and the lakes are close enough together that you can reasonably try two in a single day.
Storrie Lake and McAllister Lake are stocked with rainbow trout by New Mexico Game and Fish, and both lakes also hold largemouth bass and channel catfish. The smaller waters like Bentley Lake and Laguna La Monia are worth checking with NMDGF for current stocking status before you make them your primary destination.
Spring and fall are the most productive seasons for trout, typically March through May and again September through November when water temperatures are in a comfortable range. Summer fishing is still viable early in the morning before the afternoon heat sets in, and ice fishing is possible at Storrie Lake in a cold winter, though conditions vary year to year.
Field Tract Campground
~59 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NM.
Bentley Lake
~9 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NM.
Pecos River - Terrero Area
~58 min drive
Moderate
Jacks Creek Group Area
~1h 1m drive
A worthwhile stop near NM.
Laguna La Monia
~11 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NM.
McAllister Lake
~12 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NM.
Storrie Lake
~16 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NM.
Goetsck Lake
~21 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NM.
Tree Lake
~41 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NM.
Calleys Lake
~47 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NM.
Morrison Lake
~47 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NM.
Collins Lake
~55 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NM.
A medium-light spinning setup handles most situations across these lakes. For trout, PowerBait, small spinners, and worms fished under a bobber near the surface all produce results. If you're targeting bass or catfish at McAllister or Storrie, bring heavier line and a selection of soft plastics or cut bait.
Shore fishing works well at all five lakes, and most of the access points are flat enough that you don't need waders. Storrie Lake has a boat ramp if you're bringing a kayak or small motorized craft, which opens up more of the water. McAllister Lake is a wildlife area, so check current access rules with NMDGF before launching anything motorized there.
Yes, straightforwardly. The lakes are easy to reach, the terrain around them is gentle, and stocked trout are forgiving targets for newer anglers. Storrie Lake State Park has facilities including restrooms and picnic areas, which makes it the most practical choice if you're bringing children or want a full-day outing.
