Plan your New Mexico adventure

Fishing & water · Southwest NM

Black Canyon

Black Canyon in southwestern New Mexico carries a Special Trout Water designation (Red chile, non-native suppression) from the waterfall barrier at BC Campground upstream. The creek supports Gila trout and brown trout; native Gila trout are catch-and-release only, while brown trout may be kept without limit. Only artificial fly or lure with a single barbless hook is permitted, and the fishery is open July 1–October 31 only. A valid New Mexico fishing license is required. Managed by the USFS Wilderness Ranger District and the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. Photography is permitted.

Fishing & water · Southwest NM

Gilita Creek and Willow Creek

Gilita Creek and Willow Creek in southwestern New Mexico hold a Special Trout Water designation (X-mas chile, non-native suppression) upstream from the confluence of Snow Creek to the headwaters. The waters support Gila trout and brown trout under split regulations: native Gila trout are limited to 2 fish of any length, while non-native brown trout may be kept without limit; any legal bait and tackle is permitted. A valid New Mexico fishing license is required. Managed by the USFS Wilderness Ranger District and the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. Photography is permitted.

Fishing & water · Southwest NM

Lake Roberts

Lake Roberts in southwestern New Mexico sits along NM 35 in the Gila area and is accessible via NM 35 or the narrow, winding NM 15 — note that NM 15 is not suitable for trucks with trailers. Fishing is the primary activity. Photography is permitted. Licensing requirements, fees, and other details are not currently specified; consult the recreation.gov listing for current conditions.

Fishing & water · Southwest NM

Lake Roberts Boat Launch

Lake Roberts Boat Launch in southwestern New Mexico provides access for fishing and boating on Lake Roberts, accommodating non-motorized boats and electric motors. Photography is permitted. Licensing requirements, fees, and additional water details are not specified; consult the recreation.gov listing or the managing agency for current conditions.

Fishing & water · Southwest NM

Mineral Creek

Mineral Creek in southwestern New Mexico carries a Special Trout Water designation (X-mas chile) from its confluence with the San Francisco River upstream to its headwaters. The creek supports Gila trout; anglers may keep up to 2 trout of any length using any legal bait and tackle. A valid New Mexico fishing license is required. Managed by the USFS Glenwood Ranger District and the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. Photography is permitted.

Fishing & water · Southwest NM

Mogollon Creek

Mogollon Creek in southwestern New Mexico holds a Special Trout Water designation (Red chile) from the barrier at the waterfalls near USFS Trail 153 to the confluence of Trail Canyon. The creek is open July 1–October 31 and is managed for Gila trout on a catch-and-release basis; only artificial fly or lure with a single barbless hook is permitted. A valid New Mexico fishing license is required. Managed by the USFS Wilderness Ranger District and the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. Photography is permitted.

Fishing & water · Southwest NM

Quemado Lake Boat Launch

Quemado Lake Boat Launch at the western end of Quemado Lake in southwestern New Mexico provides fishing and boating access, accommodating non-motorized boats and electric motors. Photography is permitted. Licensing requirements, fees, and additional details are not specified; consult the recreation.gov listing or the managing agency for current conditions.

Fishing & water · Southwest NM

Quemado Lake Recreation Area

Quemado Lake Recreation Area in southwestern New Mexico is a fishing destination approximately 16 miles south of Quemado, reached via NM 32 and NM 103 to Forest Road 13. Photography is permitted. Licensing requirements, fees, and other facility details are not specified; consult the recreation.gov listing or the managing agency for current conditions.

Fishing & water · Southwest NM

Rio Las Animas

Rio Las Animas in southwestern New Mexico, within the Gila National Forest's Black Range District, carries a Special Trout Water designation (Red chile) protecting Rio Grande cutthroat trout. The reach is catch-and-release only; only artificial fly or lure with a single barbless hook is permitted. A valid New Mexico fishing license is required. Managed by the USFS Black Range Ranger District and the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. Photography is permitted.

Fishing & water · Southwest NM

Snow Lake

Snow Lake is a small reservoir in the Reserve area of the Gila region of southwestern New Mexico, approximately 30 miles from Reserve via Forest Road 142. Open for fishing; photography is permitted. Stocking status, species, and license requirements are not specified for this listing; check the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish for current regulations.

Fishing & water · Southwest NM

Snow Lake Boat Launch

Snow Lake Boat Launch in southwestern New Mexico provides water access at Snow Lake near Dipping Vat Campground, accommodating non-motorized boats and electric motors only. The site is open for fishing and boating. Photography is permitted. License requirements and stocking details are not specified; check the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish for current regulations.

Fishing & water · Southwest NM

Whitewater Creek

Whitewater Creek in southwestern New Mexico holds a Special Trout Water designation (X-mas chile) from the Catwalk National Recreational Trail parking area upstream to the headwaters, including all tributaries. The creek currently supports rainbow trout and is slated for Gila trout restoration; anglers may keep up to 2 trout of any length using any legal bait and tackle. A valid New Mexico fishing license is required. Managed by the USFS Glenwood Ranger District and the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. Photography is permitted.

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