New Mexico · Fishing
Fishing in Maxwell, New Mexico
Maxwell, New Mexico sits in the northeastern corner of the state where the high plains meet the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and the fishing here is almost entirely built around a cluster of small lakes on what was historically the Maxwell Land Grant.
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Maxwell, New Mexico sits in the northeastern corner of the state where the high plains meet the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and the fishing here is almost entirely built around a cluster of small lakes on what was historically the Maxwell Land Grant. Number Eleven Lake, Number Twelve Lake, Number Thirteen Lake, Number Twenty Lake, and Stubblefield Reservoir make up the fishable waters in and around town — all of them lake fishing, no river runs or stream access in this particular lineup. These are relatively compact, quiet waters that don't draw the crowds you'd find at Cimarron Canyon or Eagle Nest Lake to the west, which is part of the appeal. The lakes sit at elevation and can fish well in spring and fall when temperatures are moderate. If you're driving up from Raton or down from Colorado on US-64, Maxwell is a low-key stop that rewards anglers willing to do a little homework on access and current conditions before showing up. New Mexico Game and Fish regulations apply, and a valid New Mexico fishing license is required for anyone 18 and older.
Frequently asked questions
What fish species can I expect to catch at the Maxwell lakes?
The activity listings cover lake fishing across Number Eleven, Twelve, Thirteen, Twenty, and Stubblefield Reservoir, but don't specify species by water body. Your best move before the trip is to check the New Mexico Game and Fish Department website, which publishes stocking reports by water body and will tell you exactly what's been put in and when.
When is the best time of year to fish these lakes?
Spring (April through early June) and fall (September through October) tend to be the most productive seasons for high-plains lakes in northeastern New Mexico. Summer afternoons get hot and windy, which pushes fish deeper and makes surface conditions rough. Early mornings are your best window in summer if you're committed to fishing that time of year.
Is access to these lakes open to the public?
Access to the numbered lakes around Maxwell is not universally open — some waters in this area sit on private or managed land and may require a permit or fee. Contact the New Mexico Game and Fish Department or Colfax County offices ahead of your trip to confirm current public access status for each specific lake, especially Stubblefield Reservoir.
What gear should I bring for lake fishing here?
A medium-light spinning setup handles most situations on these smaller lakes. Bring a range of options — small jigs, inline spinners, PowerBait-style dough baits, and a few live-bait rigs cover the bases whether you're targeting stocked fish or whatever's holding near structure. A small tackle box beats hauling a full kit to waters of this size.
Do I need a New Mexico fishing license, and where can I get one?
Yes, a valid New Mexico fishing license is required for anyone 18 or older. You can buy one online through the New Mexico Game and Fish Department website, at a licensed vendor in Raton (the nearest larger town), or through the department's phone system. Buy it before you leave home to avoid scrambling for a vendor in a small town.
