Juans Lake Fishing Guide, San Juan County, New Mexico

• Overview

  Out in San Juan County, New Mexico, sits Juans Lake. Land around it is open dry country. At some 339 acres it is far too large to cover on foot in a day. It is among the larger waters listed here for San Juan County. Crownpoint is the closest town at 28 miles. The nearest city of size is Albuquerque, 110 miles away. Rules here are straightforward: one county, one set of rules.

• Where to Fish on Juans Lake

  There is no published depth for this one, so start shallow and work out. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Species logged across San Juan County include flannelmouth sucker, bluehead sucker and channel catfish. County data is a starting point rather than a guarantee. Juans Lake gives up its fish to patience rather than distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-run averages give July about 74°F and January about 30°F. A long season, with weather mattering more than the month. In a normal year the cover is thin and short-lived. The hot months push the fishing to dawn and dusk. It holds true on Juans Lake more years than not. A settled spell fishes better than a bright one.

• Tackle & Baits

  Who may fish here is not settled in anything we hold. Nothing built is recorded close to the bank here. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Bank access can be seasonal on ground like this. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. If the gate is shut, Milk Lake at 14 miles is the nearest alternative. Treat Juans Lake as unsettled until someone local tells you otherwise.