Nutria Reservoir Number 4 Fishing in McKinley County, New Mexico

• Overview

  In New Mexico, Nutria Reservoir Number 4 belongs to McKinley County. Beyond the shoreline you have mixed woodland. It runs to roughly 71 acres — big enough to hold fish away from the bank, small enough to learn. The edge runs 1.1 miles or so, easy to work in an afternoon. 13 miles away sits Black Rock, the nearest town. Zuni Pueblo lies 16 miles off, Church Rock another 22 miles. The nearest edge is a long way off, so local rules apply throughout.

• Where to Fish on Nutria Reservoir Number 4

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Look for where the old bank line still shows under the surface. McKinley County records list bluehead sucker, green sunfish and muskellunge among the fish reported. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. Take this water a stretch at a time.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The seasonal spread runs 28°F to 68°F. The year gives four workable seasons without severe ends. It is not guaranteed from one year to the next. Late winter often fishes better here than midsummer does. At this water the season follows that pattern closely. Wind direction changes which bank is worth fishing.

• Tackle & Baits

  The access position is unclear from public sources. No made access is recorded, so a short walk in is the likely arrangement. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Gates get locked out of season on water like this. Some stretches are reserved and marked as such on the ground. Nutria Reservoir Number 3 sits 0.7 miles off and takes the overflow. What applies at this water may have changed since it was mapped.