Eagle Nest Lake is a spectacular high-mountain lake in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of northern New Mexico – a 2,200-acre reservoir cradled in the broad Moreno Valley at over 8,200 feet, ringed by peaks including Wheeler Peak, the state’s highest. A favorite for trout, kokanee and pike, with a state park and jaw-dropping scenery, it’s the crown jewel of the Enchanted Circle near Taos.
This guide covers Eagle Nest Lake: the fishing, the high-country setting, the state park, and access. It’s part of our growing New Mexico Lakes Database.
Eagle Nest Lake at a glance
- Surface area: ~2,200 acres at about 8,200 ft – a high-mountain reservoir
- Location: Colfax County, northern New Mexico (Moreno Valley, near Angel Fire & Taos)
- Top fish: rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, northern pike
A lake in the high country
Eagle Nest Lake sits in the wide, grassy Moreno Valley, surrounded by the peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains – including 13,000-foot Wheeler Peak, the highest point in New Mexico. The setting is alpine and stunning, with cool summers, snowy winters and some of the best mountain scenery in the state. The lake anchors the Enchanted Circle scenic loop linking Taos, Angel Fire, Eagle Nest and Red River.
Fishing Eagle Nest Lake
The cold, high lake is a strong fishery: rainbow trout are stocked and abundant, kokanee salmon provide a prized trolling and fall snagging fishery, and northern pike grow large in the weedy bays. A New Mexico fishing license is required. The lake is a renowned ice-fishing destination in winter, when anglers chase trout and pike through the ice. Boating helps reach the best water.
The state park and recreation
Eagle Nest Lake State Park provides a visitor center, boat ramps, a campground and day-use areas. Boating, fishing, paddling and wildlife watching are the main draws in summer, and ice fishing in winter. The nearby village of Eagle Nest, the Angel Fire ski resort, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial are all close, making the area a year-round mountain destination.
Getting there and what’s nearby
Eagle Nest Lake is in the Moreno Valley off US-64 in northern New Mexico, about 45 minutes east of Taos on the Enchanted Circle. Angel Fire, Red River, Cimarron Canyon State Park and Taos are all nearby.
Know before you go
- Fishing license: a New Mexico license is required.
- High elevation: over 8,200 ft – weather changes fast and nights are cold even in summer.
- Best seasons: summer and fall for trout, kokanee and pike; winter for ice fishing.
Frequently asked questions
What fish are in Eagle Nest Lake?
Rainbow trout, kokanee salmon and northern pike – with excellent ice fishing in winter.
How high is Eagle Nest Lake?
About 8,200 feet, in the Moreno Valley below Wheeler Peak, the highest mountain in New Mexico.
Where is Eagle Nest Lake?
In Colfax County, northern New Mexico, in the Moreno Valley off US-64, about 45 minutes east of Taos.
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.
