Fishing Talpa Reservoir in Taos County, New Mexico

• Overview

  The Taos County end of New Mexico holds Talpa Reservoir. The surface lies 7,152 feet up. About 5 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. Some 1.5 miles away sits Ranchos de Taos, the nearest settlement. After that come Taos at 4.3 miles and Taos Pueblo at 6.8 miles. The nearest boundary is a fair way off. It is easier to fish well than to fish quickly.

• Where to Fish on Talpa Reservoir

  Nothing we hold settles how deep this runs. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Reported across Taos County: cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, white sucker, brown trout and Rio Grande sucker. The county list is broader than any single water. At Talpa Reservoir light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical July readings run about 68°F; by January the average is down near 24°F. A solid cap is the normal state through winter. Count on hard cover from midwinter, and open water from mid March. From about mid March to around mid December, expect open water on the long-run figures. Early summer and early autumn carry the open-water season. On Talpa Reservoir the same rules apply, with local timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing in our records says who may fish here. You will be walking about 0.9 miles from the nearest car park. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. For a change of water, Huero Lake is 13 miles distant. Ask locally about Talpa Reservoir if anything is unclear.