Brantley Lake is the southernmost state-park lake in New Mexico – a 3,000-acre Pecos River reservoir in the Chihuahuan Desert near Carlsbad, and a warmwater fishing destination in cave country. With bass, walleye and catfish, a quiet desert state park, and Carlsbad Caverns just down the road, it’s a handy basecamp for anglers and cavern-bound travelers alike.
This guide covers Brantley Lake: the fishing, the state park, and access. It’s part of our growing New Mexico Lakes Database.
Brantley Lake at a glance
- Surface area: ~3,000 acres on the Pecos River
- Location: Eddy County, southeast New Mexico (near Carlsbad) – the state’s southernmost state-park lake
- Top fish: largemouth & white bass, walleye, channel catfish, crappie
Fishing Brantley Lake
Brantley is a productive desert warmwater fishery: largemouth and white bass, walleye, channel catfish and crappie. A New Mexico fishing license is required. The lake fishes well from boats and the bank, and the warm southern climate makes for a long season. As a Pecos reservoir, its level fluctuates – check conditions before launching.
The state park and the desert setting
Brantley Lake State Park offers a modern campground, boat ramps, a visitor center and trails in the Chihuahuan Desert along the Pecos. It’s a quiet, uncrowded park with desert birding and big-sky sunsets, and its location makes it a convenient stop for visitors to Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. The nearby ghost town of Seven Rivers adds a touch of Old West history.
Getting there and what’s nearby
Brantley Lake is about 15 minutes north of Carlsbad off US-285 in southeast New Mexico. Carlsbad Caverns, Living Desert State Park and (a bit farther) Guadalupe Mountains National Park are all nearby.
Know before you go
- Fishing license: a New Mexico license is required.
- Desert heat: summers are hot – bring shade, water and sun protection.
- Pair with the caverns: a great basecamp for Carlsbad Caverns.
Frequently asked questions
What fish are in Brantley Lake?
Largemouth and white bass, walleye, channel catfish and crappie.
Is Brantley Lake near Carlsbad Caverns?
Yes – it’s about 15 minutes north of Carlsbad, making it a convenient basecamp for visiting Carlsbad Caverns National Park.
Where is Brantley Lake?
In Eddy County, southeast New Mexico, about 15 minutes north of Carlsbad off US-285 – the state’s southernmost state-park lake.
Related: explore more of the largest lakes in New Mexico, or head back to the New Mexico Lakes Database.
Explore more New Mexico lakes: the largest lakes in New Mexico and the deepest lakes in New Mexico.
