Fishing La Cueva Lake in Mora County, New Mexico

• Overview

  La Cueva Lake is a Mora County water, New Mexico side. The surroundings are rolling hill. On water this small, stealth matters more than range. Our Mora County list holds plenty of bigger water. Some 24 miles away sits Las Vegas, the nearest settlement. After that come Angel Fire at 31 miles and Ranchos de Taos at 35 miles. The nearest boundary is a fair way off.

• Where to Fish on La Cueva Lake

  There is no recorded depth, so work from what you can see. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. Mora County records list cutthroat trout, white sucker, brown trout, Gila trout and green sunfish among the fish reported. Several of these carry legal protection or closed seasons; the rulebook comes before the rod. On La Cueva Lake that means starting tight and working out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The range across the year is 30°F to 66°F. The year gives four workable seasons without severe ends. Hard water here is never dependable, so check for yourself before stepping out. November and March are the quiet, comfortable months to be out. Plan around that when you fish La Cueva Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether the bank is open is not something our records settle. Mapping is blank for access, so scout the approach before committing the car. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Where a permit is needed, the nearest town usually sells it. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. Failing this one, try Red Lake, 0.7 miles away. For La Cueva Lake in particular, ask before you travel.