Clayton Lake near Clayton: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Clayton Lake is a Union County water, New Mexico side. Open valley runs right down to the water. It measures about 148 acres, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. Around 1.7 miles of margin, front to back. Clayton is the closest town at 11 miles. Boise City follows at 45 miles, then Dalhart at 57 miles. Round about: Lake Carl Etling 30 miles off. The nearest edge is a long way off, so local rules apply throughout.

• Where to Fish on Clayton Lake

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. Inflow corners move water, and moving water gathers fish. Points where the flooded channel swings in are the reliable ones. County-wide records name rainbow trout, northern pike and walleye. It is the county picture; the agency list is water-specific. Anyone new to Clayton Lake should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Seasonal averages run from 33°F in January up to 73°F in July. A long season, with weather mattering more than the month. It should never be assumed safe, whatever the month says. The cooler months are the comfortable ones to fish here. That is the shape of the year on Clayton Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  No access rule appears in what we hold. The nearest mapped parking is half a mile away, so the last stretch is on foot. There is a toilet block some half a mile out. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Check locally before you travel, because a wasted drive is a long one. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. Should this one be busy, Lake Carl Etling is 30 miles off. Where Clayton Lake is concerned, a local answer beats a written one.