Where to Fish Around Gallup

Angle your sights on the best fishing locations in New Mexico and make Gallup your Route 66 home base after catching the wild trout.

Best Fishing Spots in New Mexico
New Mexico Fishing Map
Best Time to Fish
What to Bring

Wade into easy waters when it comes to planning your New Mexico fishing trip. New Mexico sets breathtaking outdoor scenes for catching fish of all sizes and shapes, from trout to catfish. Don’t miss the chance to go fly fishing and perfect your catch-and-release technique around this part of New Mexico.

Know before you go: A valid New Mexico fishing license is necessary for anglers who are 12 years of age or older. Plan ahead by checking if some locations also require permits, as well as the rules and regulations of each fishing spot (which may include bag and size limits).

Make Gallup Your Fishing Home Base

Gallup is the perfect place to unwind before and after a day of fishing outdoors. With historic hotels, local campgrounds, and budget-friendly suites, enjoy Gallup hospitality and accommodations along Route 66. Red sandstone cliffs, Anasazi archaeological landmarks, and Native American art are just some of the unforgettable parts of Gallup. Create the ultimate New Mexico experience in our city with guides on activities, restaurants, and events.

Local Fishing Contests: Calling all fishing enthusiasts! Explore the fishing contests that are held at tribal lakes around Gallup, including events on the Navajo Nation, Zuni Indian Reservation, and Pueblo of Laguna.

The Best Fishing Spots in New Mexico

McGaffey Lake

30 Minutes from Gallup
Located in the Zuni Mountains by the Pueblo of the Zuni Indian Reservation, this small reservoir is open year round for all fishing enthusiasts. With the undisrupted calm currents of McGaffey Lake, the water almost seems like a mirror, reflecting the clouds and surrounding trees.

Common Species: Rainbow Trout, Channel Catfish, and Blue Catfish

The Nutria Lakes

50 minutes from Gallup
The Zuni Indian Reservation is also home to different reservoirs that make up the Nutria Lakes, where different trout species of all sizes swim in the water.

Common Species: Rainbow Trout and Bluegill

Bluewater Lake State Park

50 minutes from Gallup
Glimmering blue waters meet sprawling, panoramic landscapes at Bluewater Lake State Park. Here, the vast lake spans over 1,000 acres, offering plenty of fishing opportunities for trout, carp, white bass, and catfish. If you’re looking for ice fishing during the winter season in New Mexico, Bluewater Lake State Park is the perfect spot due to its high altitude. Situated in the Zuni Mountains, the park features onsite amenities such as a picnic area and barbecue grills.

Common Species: Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, Tiger Muskie, and Channel Catfish

Lake Asaayi Campground

One hour from Gallup
Situated on the Navajo Nation, the Lake Asaayi Campground is for the anglers who practice their skills on a kayak. Paddle along the peaceful waters and expect to catch Rainbow trout. The entrance fee costs $10 and a Navajo Nation fishing license is required. The campground is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Wednesday to Sunday.

Common Species: Rainbow Trout

Ganado Lake

One hour from Gallup
Largemouth bass and bluegill are just some of the freshwater varieties at Ganado Lake on Navajo Nation. Come on a pleasant day for plenty of sunshine, the southwestern desert terrain, and quiet atmosphere.

Common Species: Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, and Bluegill

Wheatfields Lake

One hour from Gallup
This family-friendly lake on Navajo Nation is a gorgeous fishing retreat and is nestled at a high altitude in the Chuska Mountains. Anglers are permitted to fish by the shore or the boat ramp by the eastern side. A Navajo fishing license is needed and can be found on the official website of the Navajo Parks and Recreations.

Common Species: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, and Brook Trout

Tsaile Lake

One hour & 30 minutes from Gallup
Navajo Nation's Tsaile Lake is an expansive body of water with three surrounding campgrounds. Imagine Southwestern desert vegetation, mountainous views, and a surplus of freshwater fish.

Common Species: Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Channel Catfish

San Juan River

Two hours & 40 minutes from Gallup
Fish at one of the top tailwater trout fisheries in New Mexico. With more than 20,000 fish per mile in the upper four miles of river below its dam, the San Juan River is beginner-friendly, offering plenty of opportunities to hone and perfect your angling skills. Expect to catch fish that are typically around 17 inches in length! The river is gentle enough to wade in and long casts aren’t generally needed.

Common Species: Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout

Cochiti Lake

Two hours & 50 minutes from Gallup
Located within the boundaries of the Pueblo de Cochiti Indian Reservation, it is required to observe and respect all Pueblo regulations; it is not permitted to trespass on private lands. Cochiti Lake is nestled on the Rio Grande and contains one of the largest earthfill dams in the country. With a depth of around 100 feet, Cochiti Lake is home to an array of different fish species. Enjoy the stunning views while angling your rod for bass, catfish, walleye, and more. Bonus on-the-water activities include canoeing, kayaking, and swimming.

Common Species: Channel Catfish, Walleye, Crappie, Sunfish, Large-Mouth Bass, Rainbow Trout

Pecos River

Three hours & 20 minutes from Gallup
Make your way to the Upper Dalton Fishing Site for a serene fishing experience by the Pecos River. Take in the bumbling waters and quiet ambience as you angle your rod in the water and find a variety of trout. This spot is most commonly used for fly fishing and spin casting for anglers of all levels.

Common Species: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Largemouth Bass, and Channel Catfish

Jemez River

Three hours & 30 minutes from Gallup
The East Fork of the Jemez, San Antonio Creek, Rio Cebolla, and Rio Guadalupe are some of the tributaries of the Jemez River, offering plenty of ways to catch different fish species. Anglers will enjoy fishing through mountain meadow and rocky freestone streams. The East Fork, in particular, offers one-of-a-kind outdoor views with rugged canyon bottoms, steep cliffs, and domed peaks.

Common Species: Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout, Brown Trout, and Rainbow Trout

Valles Caldera National Preserve

Three hours & 30 minutes from Gallup
The Valles Caldera National Preserve features year-round fishing experiences in its trout-filled streams. Get ready for mountain meadow fly fishing, where you can venture by the banks and see a plethora of trout in this part of the East Fork Jemez River. The bag limit at the park is two trout. Footwear that is designed for wading is not allowed at the Valles Caldera National Preserve.

Common Species: Rio Grande Cuthroat Trout, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout

New Mexico Fishing Map

The Best Time to Fish in New Mexico

New Mexico offers year-round fishing opportunities for anglers of all ages and levels. Different seasons will yield certain catches and sizes of fish.

  • Spring (March - May) - In the spring, the abundance of aquatic insects attract more trout and will lead them into the shallower waters of rivers and lakes. The tailwaters of the San Juan River are especially bursting with trout in the springtime.
  • Summer (June - August) - The fish are ravenous for bugs in the summer and will be searching for them in the cool waters of lakes and rivers!
  • Fall (September - November) - This is the most ideal season for fishing as the weather is mild and the fish are growing bigger, entailing better biting for bait. Brown Trout is easier to catch during this season and the fall foliage around the streams are photo-worthy backdrops.
  • Winter (December - February) - Get ready for the chillier temperatures with the appropriate layers. Ice fishing fun awaits at Bluewater Lake during this season.

Fishing Checklist: What to Bring

  • Fishing license - A valid fishing license is required for anglers who are 12 years of age or older.
  • Fishing Rod - Ideally, bring a rod that can stand a four-to-12 pound test.
  • Hooks - Prepare for your catch with a hook that’s between sizes six and 10.
  • Sun Protection - Pack proper sun protection like sunscreen and a hat. Polarized sunglasses also prevent glare on the water.
  • Weights - Fishing weights help with dragging your lure towards a certain depth.
  • Bait & Lures - Different lakes and parks will permit particular bait and lures. PowerBait and spinners are common choices for trout.
  • Wading Equipment - If wading is permitted at your fishing site, we suggest wearing clothes that can dry quickly and wading boots that have decent traction.
  • Tackle Box - Tackle boxes organize fishing tools and keep outdoor debris from affecting your gear.
  • Knife & Pliers - You’ll need a sharp tool for snapping lines and getting rid of hooks.
  • First-Aid Kit - Having bandages and other medical supplies are helpful for dealing with small cuts.
  • Fishing Gloves - Fishing gloves prevent minor injuries or cuts from your surroundings and fish spines.

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