El Vado Lake is a scenic Rio Chama reservoir in the high country of northern New Mexico – the boating-and-fishing companion to neighboring Heron Lake, and a favorite for kokanee, trout and bass beneath piñon-dotted mesas. Unlike no-wake Heron, El Vado welcomes powerboats and water sports, making the two lakes a perfect pair for a northern-New-Mexico getaway.
This guide covers El Vado Lake: the fishing, the boating and state park, and access. It’s part of our growing New Mexico Lakes Database.
El Vado Lake at a glance
- Surface area: ~3,200 acres on the Rio Chama
- Location: Rio Arriba County, northern New Mexico (near Tierra Amarilla)
- Built: El Vado Dam, completed 1935
- Top fish: kokanee salmon, rainbow & brown trout, largemouth & smallmouth bass
Fishing El Vado Lake
El Vado offers a fine mix: kokanee salmon and rainbow and brown trout in the cold water, plus largemouth and smallmouth bass on the rocky shorelines – an unusual trout-and-bass combination. A New Mexico fishing license is required. Trolling for kokanee and trout is productive, and the bass fishing adds variety the higher, colder lakes lack. Winter ice fishing is popular.
Boating, the park and the Rio Chama Trail
El Vado Lake State Park provides campgrounds, a boat ramp and trails, and unlike Heron, El Vado allows powerboating, water-skiing and sailing, making it the more active of the two lakes. The Rio Chama Trail links El Vado to Heron Lake along the river gorge, crossing a dramatic suspension bridge – a roughly 5-mile hike that’s a regional favorite. Below the dam, the Rio Chama is a celebrated wild-and-scenic float.
Getting there and what’s nearby
El Vado Lake is southwest of Tierra Amarilla off NM-112 in northern New Mexico, about 30 minutes from Chama and a short drive from Heron Lake. The Chama River canyon and the Cumbres & Toltec railroad are nearby.
Know before you go
- Fishing license: a New Mexico license is required.
- Powerboats welcome: unlike no-wake Heron, El Vado allows water sports.
- Check the level: the reservoir level varies – confirm ramp access before launching.
Frequently asked questions
What fish are in El Vado Lake?
Kokanee salmon, rainbow and brown trout, and largemouth and smallmouth bass – an unusual trout-and-bass mix.
Can you waterski on El Vado Lake?
Yes – unlike neighboring no-wake Heron Lake, El Vado allows powerboating and water sports.
Where is El Vado Lake?
In Rio Arriba County, northern New Mexico, southwest of Tierra Amarilla off NM-112, near Heron 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.
