Fishing at Mariano Lake, McKinley County, New Mexico

• Overview

  Mariano Lake lies in McKinley County, New Mexico. The bank is 7,129 feet above sea level. It runs to roughly 79 acres — big enough to hold fish away from the bank, small enough to learn. The outline is close to a simple bowl, without much in the way of bays. Supplies mean a trip to Crownpoint, 11 miles off. Then Thoreau, 14 miles, and Church Rock, 17 miles. No county line comes close, which keeps the paperwork simple.

• Where to Fish on Mariano Lake

  We hold no depth figure for this one. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Levels move with the draw rather than the rain on water like this. Public occurrence data for McKinley County names bluehead sucker, green sunfish and muskellunge. Records at county level tell you what is around, not what is stocked here. At Mariano Lake light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Temperature averages peak at 67°F in July and bottom out at 27°F in January. In milder years the surface never sets. In a normal year the cover is thin and short-lived. April and May are the settled weeks, with October close behind. At Mariano Lake the season follows that pattern closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. Recorded parking is half a mile off, far enough to travel light. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. Natural Lake sits 17 miles off and takes the overflow. Where Mariano Lake is concerned, a local answer beats a written one.