🏔 Northern New Mexico — Moreno Valley
Eagle Nest Lake
Moreno Valley — Kokanee and rainbow beneath the Sangre de Cristo peaks
2,400 acres
Surface Area
80 ft
Max Depth
8,200 ft
Elevation
April – May
Ice-Out
May, Jun, Sep, Oct
Prime Season
About Eagle Nest Lake
Eagle Nest Lake sits at 8,200 feet in New Mexico's Moreno Valley — a 2,400-acre high-elevation reservoir surrounded by the dramatic Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the broad high-desert valley that defines this corner of northern New Mexico. The lake is the most productive stillwater fishery in New Mexico, supporting thriving populations of Rainbow Trout and Kokanee Salmon alongside tiger trout and brown trout.
The Kokanee Salmon at Eagle Nest are the lake's signature species — a thriving landlocked sockeye population that provides excellent summer fishing and stages a spectacular spawning run into the Cimarron River (which flows from the lake) each September. These fish average 12–16 inches in the lake and provide outstanding sport on small bright patterns trolled through the open water.
Rainbow Trout averaging 12–18 inches provide consistent fly fishing throughout the season on chironomid and Callibaetis patterns. The lake's high elevation ensures cool summer temperatures that keep fish active when lower-elevation New Mexico waters are too warm for quality fishing.
Eagle Nest State Park provides excellent facilities and access, and the nearby ski resort of Angel Fire and the cultural attractions of Taos (45 minutes south) make this a complete northern New Mexico destination year-round.
Fishing Techniques
Boat Fishing
Primary approach for kokanee trolling and rainbow coverage. Motorized boats permitted with registration.
Float Tube
Excellent for chironomid fishing in the western weed edges and near the Cimarron River inlet.
Shore Fishing
State park provides extensive shore access. Best spring rainbow fishing from the boat ramp area.
Hatch Chart
| Chironomid/Midge | |
| Callibaetis | |
| Damselfly | |
| Leech | |
| Kokanee |
Peak
Active
Absent
Fly Patterns
Chironomid/Midge
Red Chironomid #14-16 · Black Chironomid #14-16 · Zebra Midge #14-18
Callibaetis
Callibaetis Nymph #14 · Sparkle Dun #14
Damselfly
Olive Damsel Nymph #10 · Adult Damsel #10
Leech
Woolly Bugger #6-8 · Marabou Leech #6-8
Kokanee
Carey Special #10-12 · Doc Spratley #10 · Bead-Head Attractor #12
Species
Kokanee Salmon
The signature species. Averaging 12–16 inches. Excellent summer trolling and fall spawning run into the Cimarron River.
Rainbow Trout
Abundant throughout. Averaging 12–18 inches. Active chironomid and Callibaetis feeders from spring through fall.
Tiger Trout
Brown × Brook Trout hybrid, present in smaller numbers. Averaging 14–18 inches. Aggressive streamer feeders.
Access Points
📍 Eagle Nest State Park
Primary access with boat launch, shore fishing, and camping. New Mexico state park fee. Open year-round.
📍 Cimarron River Inlet
North end inlet. Best fall kokanee spawning run access. Walk-in from the state park.
📍 Village of Eagle Nest
Marina and lodging in the small resort community on the lake's south shore.
Pro Tips
- →The fall Kokanee spawning run in September turns the Cimarron River below the dam a vivid red — a spectacular wildlife event worth timing your visit around.
- →Combine Eagle Nest with the Cimarron River (Cimarron Canyon State Park) and a visit to Taos for the quintessential northern New Mexico outdoor experience.
- →The Moreno Valley's elevation (8,200 ft) means afternoon thunderstorms in summer — fish mornings and explore the region in the afternoon.
- →Angel Fire ski resort is adjacent to the valley — combine fall fishing with the early-season ski conditions for a unique New Mexico adventure.
Regulations
New Mexico fishing license required. Eagle Nest State Park fee. Check NMDGF for current Eagle Nest Lake regulations including kokanee season and limits.