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New Mexico · Fishing
Fishing near Mimbres, New Mexico means one thing in practice: Lake Roberts. Tucked into the Gila National Forest along Highway 35, this small reservoir sits at a higher elevation than the surrounding desert and holds water year-round, which
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Fishing near Mimbres, New Mexico means one thing in practice: Lake Roberts. Tucked into the Gila National Forest along Highway 35, this small reservoir sits at a higher elevation than the surrounding desert and holds water year-round, which makes it a reliable option when lower-elevation streams run thin. The lake has a dedicated boat launch, a picnic area right on the water, and enough shoreline access that you don't need a boat to have a productive day. It's a manageable drive from Silver City, so it draws a steady local crowd on weekends, but weekday mornings tend to be quiet. The fishery supports warm- and cool-water species typical of New Mexico's managed reservoirs — expect largemouth bass, catfish, and stocked trout depending on the season. New Mexico Game and Fish stocks the lake periodically, though you'll want to check their current stocking schedule before you go rather than assuming the trout are in. This is a good spot for anglers of most skill levels: the boat launch gives you options if you want to cover water, and the picnic area shoreline works fine for someone fishing from a folding chair with a simple setup.
Shore access is genuinely usable here. The picnic area sits right on the water and gives you a reasonable stretch of bank to work. The boat launch is there if you want to cover more of the lake, but plenty of anglers fish effectively from shore, especially in the mornings before the wind picks up.
The lake holds largemouth bass, channel catfish, and receives periodic trout stockings from New Mexico Game and Fish. Trout are most reliably present in cooler months after a stocking run, so check the NMDGF stocking report before making a trip specifically for trout. Bass and catfish are present through the warmer months.
Lake Roberts Picnic Area
~0 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NM.
Lake Roberts
~0 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NM.
Lake Roberts Boat Launch
~0 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NM.
Snow Lake
~57 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NM.
Snow Lake
~57 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NM.
Snow Lake Boat Launch
~58 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NM.
Henry Ford Tank
~1h 16m drive
A worthwhile stop near NM.
Ghost Lake
~1h 19m drive
A worthwhile stop near NM.
Also worth it near here
You need a valid New Mexico fishing license. Lake Roberts is a state-managed fishery within Gila National Forest, so standard New Mexico Game and Fish regulations apply. Pick up your license online through NMDGF or at a local vendor in Silver City before you head up the mountain.
Early morning is the most productive window, particularly for bass, which tend to be more active near the surface before the sun gets high. Catfish can be caught through the evening and into the night from shore. Midday in summer is the slowest period and also the hottest, so plan accordingly.
The lake is generally accessible year-round, but Highway 35 can see snow and ice in winter, so check road conditions before making the drive in December through February. Summer monsoon season, typically July through September, can bring afternoon thunderstorms that roll in fast, so keep an eye on the sky if you're out on the water in a small boat.
