Laguna Colorada, New Mexico: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Laguna Colorada is set in Sandoval County, New Mexico. It stands 7,267 feet above sea level. You are 15 miles from Santa Teresa. Los Alamos is 42 miles and Jemez Pueblo 45 miles. Other water within reach: Laguna Seca a shade over 12 miles, San Gregorio Reservoir 15 miles away, Timber Lake a shade over 22 miles, Laguna de la Sierra 22 miles away and Laguna Madrid a shade over 23 miles. The county line runs close by, so rules can change within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Laguna Colorada

  No depth figure has reached our records, which makes a plummet useful. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Reported across Sandoval County: white sucker, cutthroat trout, brown trout, Rio Grande sucker and yellow perch. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. At Laguna Colorada the water rewards a slow, careful approach.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 66°F, the coldest about 22°F. A solid cap is the normal state through winter. The lid arrives early and lasts until roughly late March. Averages suggest open water from about late March through to roughly mid December. The strongest runs come at either end of the open season. The season on Laguna Colorada rarely departs from it.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. Access points are not mapped for this water, which suits people who like quiet. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. If the gate is shut, Laguna Seca at 12 miles is the nearest alternative. Confirm before you fish Laguna Colorada.