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New Mexico · Fishing
Ramah sits in a quiet corner of western New Mexico where the fishing is centered on still water rather than moving rivers.
3 spotsUpdated dailyFree to access
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Ramah sits in a quiet corner of western New Mexico where the fishing is centered on still water rather than moving rivers. The three lakes in and around town — Laguna Colorada, Ramah Reservoir, and Sokno Lake — each offer a different experience, but all three are the kind of spots where you can set up early, work the shoreline, and not see another angler for hours. Ramah Reservoir is the most accessible and the most fished of the three, drawing locals year-round when conditions allow. Laguna Colorada and Sokno Lake tend to see lighter pressure, which can make them worth the extra effort to reach. This is high-desert lake fishing, so water levels and temperatures shift noticeably between seasons — spring and fall are generally the most productive windows, with summer mornings worth targeting before the midday heat sets in. If you're coming from out of town, plan to pick up a New Mexico fishing license before you arrive, since there are no bait shops in Ramah itself. A basic spinning setup handles all three lakes well, and shore fishing is viable at each location.
The available listing data covers lake fishing at all three locations but does not specify stocked or resident species by water body. Contact the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish directly for current stocking records and species information for each lake before your trip.
Yes, a valid New Mexico fishing license is required. There are no sporting goods or bait-and-tackle shops in Ramah, so purchase your license online through the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish or at a licensed vendor in Gallup or Grants before you make the drive out.
Peñasco Lakes
~17 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NM.
Laguna Colorada
~17 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NM.
Peñasco Lakes
~17 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NM.
Sokno Lake
~18 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NM.
Chimney Lake
~26 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NM.
Upper Galestina Number 7 Reservoir
~29 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NM.
Ramah Reservoir
~34 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NM.
Fence Lake
~39 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NM.
Nutria Reservoir Number 3
~48 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NM.
San Antone Lake
~48 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NM.
Long Lake
~56 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NM.
Cat Lake
~57 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NM.
Spring and fall are the most reliable seasons for high-desert lake fishing in this part of New Mexico. Summer fishing is possible but most productive in the early morning before water temperatures climb. Winter access depends on conditions, and ice can form on these lakes during cold stretches.
Shore fishing is workable at all three lakes. A basic spinning rod with a selection of small jigs, spinners, and bait rigs covers most situations. If you do bring a small watercraft, check current New Mexico regulations for motorized versus non-motorized rules on each specific water body.
Ramah Reservoir is the most centrally located and easiest to reach from town. Laguna Colorada and Sokno Lake require some travel on unpaved roads, so a high-clearance vehicle is useful, especially after rain when dirt roads in this area can become soft. Check road conditions locally if you're visiting after recent weather.
