Salt Lake, New Mexico: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Salt Lake is listed under Roosevelt County, New Mexico. It sits at 3,888 feet above sea level. At 3.9 sq miles you are fishing a fraction of it whatever you do. The shoreline runs about 11 miles, so it pays to pick a stretch and stay with it. Of the waters listed here in Roosevelt County, this is the largest. Portales is the closest town at 16 miles. Farwell follows at 20 miles, then Texico at 21 miles. It lies deep inside the county rather than near an edge.

• Where to Fish on Salt Lake

  Depth is not on record here, so the bank has to tell you. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Fish Salt Lake where the bottom changes rather than where it looks deep. Fish move shallower as the light drops.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-term averages put July at about 77°F and January near 37°F. Cooler months are the productive ones on most of this water. The first and last hours carry the summer; the middle is slow. The cooler months are the comfortable ones to fish here. It sets the rhythm of the year at Salt Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing in our records says who may fish here. Records list it as a natural water body rather than an impoundment. The water borders Grulla National Wildlife Refuge, so expect the reserve rules to apply. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. Little Salt Lake sits 5.6 miles off and takes the overflow. For Salt Lake in particular, ask before you travel.