Nambe Reservoir Fishing in Santa Fe County, New Mexico

• Overview

  Nambe Reservoir belongs to Santa Fe County, New Mexico. Land around it is open valley. Around 28 acres of surface means several distinct areas to work. The bank runs about 1.3 miles all the way round, so one visit can cover most of it. Nambe is the closest town at 5.5 miles. Then Pojoaque, 7.4 miles, and El Rancho, 10 miles. One jurisdiction covers this water end to end.

• Where to Fish on Nambe Reservoir

  There is no published depth for this one, so start shallow and work out. Held water runs deepest at the wall and shallows back to the inflow. Levels move with the draw rather than the rain on water like this. Survey and observation records for Santa Fe County include cutthroat trout, rainbow trout and bluegill. Several of these carry legal protection or closed seasons; the rulebook comes before the rod. The near bank of Nambe Reservoir is often the one people ignore.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between January at about 28°F and July at about 66°F, the water has a wide range to work through. Ice comes and goes from one year to the next. It is not guaranteed even in a cold spell, so check yourself. November and March are the quiet, comfortable months to be out. It sets the rhythm of the year at Nambe Reservoir.

• Tackle & Baits

  We have no record of the rules that apply on this bank. Overnight stays are possible about half a mile out, where camping is mapped. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Bank access can be seasonal on ground like this. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. Nambe Lake sits 7.8 miles off and takes the overflow. Rules at Nambe Reservoir are worth checking on the day.