Conchas Lake in San Miguel County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Conchas Lake lies in San Miguel County, in New Mexico. It lies 4,196 feet above sea level. It lies lower than most water we list in New Mexico. Nearest place of any size is Tucumcari, 31 miles away. The nearest city of size is Amarillo, 135 miles away. Also worth knowing: 33 miles out stands Llonidas Lake and Esteros Creek after 34 miles. Rules here are straightforward: one county, one set of rules.

• Where to Fish on Conchas Lake

  We hold no depth figure for this one. Inflow corners move water, and moving water gathers fish. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Across San Miguel County, recorded fish include cutthroat trout, white sucker, brown trout, green sunfish and rainbow trout. What holds for the county may not hold for this water. The shape of Conchas Lake rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July near 79°F and January near 37°F on the long-run figures. The year never really closes; it just gets uncomfortable in summer. The first and last hours carry the summer; the middle is slow. November and March are the quiet, comfortable months to be out. It sets the rhythm of the year at Conchas Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. No slipway, car park or made path shows up nearby in mapping, so treat access as rough. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. State or provincial rules still apply whatever the bank status. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. For a change of water, Llonidas Lake is 33 miles distant. For Conchas Lake in particular, ask before you travel.