How to Trout Fish in a New Mexico Lake
- 1). Find a New Mexico lake that has trout such as Eagle Nest Lake, Caballo Lake, El Vado Lake or Heron Lake. Consult a map for each lake's proper location; you can find one on New Mexico's Fish and Game website.
- 2). Obtain a license. In New Mexico, anyone 12 years or older must have a New Mexico license, according to the New Mexico Wildlife website. As of April 2011, you can purchase a license at tackle and bait retail shops for $33.00.
- 3). Purchase a fly rod, bait or spinning rod. A quality fishing rod and reel is essential in catching trout. Affordable rod and reel combos are at sports and tackle stores throughout the state. Make sure that you find a rod that is flexible and is lightweight. A flexible and lightweight rod is the proper tackle for New Mexico trout, according to the New Mexico Trout website.
- 4). Decide, whether you will fish from a boat or shore. Using a boat enables you to troll the water or stay stationary in a location. If you fish from shore, move to a location within a New Mexico lake that is ideal for trout. You want to focus your efforts around submerged rocks, grassy inlets and where fast water meets stagnate water within a lake. Consider the use of waders as way to fish from land. You can increase the distances of your casts by wading into the water. Additionally, waders allow you to retrieve lures or hooks caught on objects and debris.
- 5). Make a trout bait rig. New Mexico anglers use a popular trout bait rig to catch trout. Measure one-foot of line from the end of rod and tie a snell knot to a number 3 hook. Add two 2-ounce split shots as weights; place them 6 inches from the end of the hook.
- 6). Place smelly baits, such as cheese, salmon eggs and power bait onto your fishing hook. Stocked trout in New Mexico fancy smelly baits, preferably power bait.
- 7). Cast your line patiently wait. Allow the line to sink to the bottom and rest in the water for 10 minutes before reeling in the line. Every so often, check the line to see if your bait is still there. Remove old bait and replace it with fresh bait, then recast the line to a different spot.
- 8). Watch the line. When a trout strikes the bait, it will immediately struggle to digest the bait. You will see the line go straight and your rod will bob up and down. Immediately grab hold of the fishing rod, lifting upwards as you reel in.
- 9). Play the trout, using your drag. Let the fish exhaust itself before lifting the fish with your net.
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