Tocito Lake Fishing in San Juan County, New Mexico

• Overview

  The San Juan County end of New Mexico holds Tocito Lake. The bank is 5,528 feet above sea level. It measures about 132 acres, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. It ranks high for size among our San Juan County listings. For supplies, Shiprock is 26 miles out. Further out sit Waterflow (28 miles) and Lukachukai (29 miles). No border sits close enough to matter.

• Where to Fish on Tocito 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. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Species logged across San Juan County include flannelmouth sucker, bluehead sucker and channel catfish. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. Tocito Lake gives up its fish to patience rather than distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July to average close to 76°F, with January the cold end at about 31°F. Ice comes and goes from one year to the next. It is not guaranteed from one year to the next. March through May is the strongest run, with October and November a second stretch. The season on Tocito Lake follows the weather closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Our records carry no access rule either way. Records show it does not hold water year-round. The map shows no ramp or car park nearby, so this is a walk-in water. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Parking space is the usual limit rather than the bank itself. Close seasons apply to some species and not others. Captain Tom Reservoir sits 8.3 miles off and takes the overflow. Check the position on Tocito Lake before loading the car.