Fishing at North Fork Lake, Taos County, New Mexico

• Overview

  Out in Taos County, New Mexico, sits North Fork Lake. It lies 11,841 feet above sea level. At roughly 3 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. Compared with other New Mexico water on our list, it sits high. Chimayo at 23 miles is the nearest place to stop. The big place round here is Albuquerque, 90 miles distant. The line between counties passes nearby, which can change who manages the water.

• Where to Fish on North Fork Lake

  No figure exists for depth, so let the water show you. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Survey and observation records for Taos County include cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, white sucker and brown trout. The county list is broader than any single water. At North Fork Lake the water rewards a slow, careful approach.

• Seasonal Patterns

  On the long-term average, July reads 51°F and January reads 18°F. Winter shuts things down for a spell, then spring reopens them fast. Hard cover is dependable here; it goes around mid May. Ice usually gives way near mid May, and forms again about mid November. The shoulder weeks of the open season are the productive ones. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to North Fork Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. The map shows no ramp or car park nearby, so this is a walk-in water. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Where a permit is needed, the nearest town usually sells it. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. Should this one be busy, Horseshoe Lake is 0.7 miles off. Rules at North Fork Lake are worth checking on the day.