Heron Lake is the serene “quiet waters” jewel of northern New Mexico – a 5,900-acre mountain reservoir on the Rio Chama where the only sounds are wind, sails and the splash of a kokanee. Managed as a no-wake lake, it’s a haven for sailing, paddling and trolling for salmon and trout, set high in cool pine country near the Colorado border.
This guide covers Heron Lake: the no-wake recreation, the fishing, the state park, and access. It’s part of our growing New Mexico Lakes Database.
Heron Lake at a glance
- Surface area: ~5,900 acres on the Rio Chama, at about 7,200 ft elevation
- Location: Rio Arriba County, northern New Mexico (near Los Ojos & Chama)
- Managed as: a no-wake “quiet waters” lake; Heron Lake State Park
- Top fish: kokanee salmon, lake trout, rainbow & brown trout
A “quiet waters” lake
Heron is one of the few lakes in New Mexico managed for no-wake, quiet recreation – sailing, kayaking, canoeing and slow trolling only, with no high-speed boating. The result is a peaceful, scenic lake beloved by sailors and paddlers, set among ponderosa pines at over 7,000 feet. A scenic suspension footbridge spans the Rio Chama gorge below the dam, linking Heron to neighboring El Vado Lake via a popular trail.
Fishing Heron Lake
Heron is famous for kokanee salmon – landlocked sockeye prized by trollers and, in the fall, by snaggers – along with lake trout, rainbow and brown trout in the cold, deep water. A New Mexico fishing license is required. The no-wake rule keeps the lake calm for fishing from sailboats, kayaks and small trolling boats, and winter brings ice fishing and bald eagles.
The state park and recreation
Heron Lake State Park offers campgrounds, a marina, a boat ramp and trails through the pines, with sailing regattas, paddling and fishing the main draws. The cool, high-country setting is a welcome summer escape, and the Rio Chama Trail to El Vado – crossing that dramatic suspension bridge – is one of the best hikes in the region.
Getting there and what’s nearby
Heron Lake is near Los Ojos and Tierra Amarilla off US-64/NM-95 in northern New Mexico, about 20 minutes south of Chama. The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad in Chama and El Vado Lake are nearby.
Know before you go
- Fishing license: a New Mexico license is required.
- No-wake lake: sailing, paddling and slow trolling only – no powerboating.
- High & cool: over 7,000 ft – bring layers even in summer.
Frequently asked questions
What fish are in Heron Lake?
Kokanee salmon (a specialty), lake trout, rainbow trout and brown trout, in cold, deep water.
Can you use a motorboat on Heron Lake?
Only at no-wake speed – Heron is a “quiet waters” lake for sailing, paddling and slow trolling, with no high-speed boating.
Where is Heron Lake?
In Rio Arriba County, northern New Mexico near Los Ojos and Chama, off US-64/NM-95.
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.
