Nicoll Lake in Cibola County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Nicoll Lake sits in Cibola County, out in New Mexico. It stands 7,152 feet above sea level. The water covers some 99 acres, so pick a bank rather than trying to cover it all. It is among the larger waters listed here for Cibola County. The nearest town is Black Rock, 25 miles away. For a city, Albuquerque is 98 miles off. No border sits close enough to matter.

• Where to Fish on Nicoll Lake

  Our records carry no depth, so judge it from the bank. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. Across Cibola County, recorded fish include bluehead sucker, green sunfish and muskellunge. County data is a starting point rather than a guarantee. On Nicoll Lake that means starting tight and working out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Average temperature peaks around 68°F in July and bottoms out near 28°F in January. Mild ends to the year keep the season long. Hard water here is never dependable, so check for yourself before stepping out. Late winter often fishes better here than midsummer does. Nicoll Lake runs to that rhythm year in and year out.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether you may fish here is not something records settle. Records show it does not hold water year-round. Nothing built is recorded close to the bank here. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Take the rules with you rather than trusting memory. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. If the gate is shut, Laguna Concho at 5.2 miles is the nearest alternative. The position on Nicoll Lake is worth confirming on the day.