Fishing Crowley Reservoir in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico

• Overview

  Crowley Reservoir falls in Rio Arriba County, part of New Mexico. The surface lies 7,907 feet up. About 10 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. The closest town, Chama, is 12 miles distant. The big place round here is Albuquerque, 132 miles distant. In the same area: Clydes Corral Lake 5.8 miles off, Brushfence Lake 6.8 miles away, Native Lake 7.8 miles off, T J Lake 8.3 miles away and Spence Reservoir 10 miles off. Being near a boundary, it pays to know which side you are fishing.

• Where to Fish on Crowley Reservoir

  Nothing in our records gives a depth for this one. Standing timber shows when the level drops, and fish sit against it. Inflow corners move water, and moving water gathers fish. Public occurrence data for Rio Arriba County names white sucker, cutthroat trout, brown trout and yellow perch. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. Work Crowley Reservoir in sections rather than trying to cover it.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July runs about 62°F on average, January about 20°F. Winter puts a hard lid on this one. The lid usually sets by midwinter and gives way around mid April. The lid tends to go about mid April and return around early December. Look to early summer and the first cool weeks of autumn. That shapes the year on Crowley Reservoir.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. Nothing built is recorded close to the bank here. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Where a permit is needed, the nearest town usually sells it. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. Failing this one, try Clydes Corral Lake, 5.8 miles away. None of that is settled for Crowley Reservoir in what we hold.