Sumner Lake is a walleye-and-bass reservoir on the Pecos River in east-central New Mexico, near the historic town of Fort Sumner. Surrounded by a quiet state park in the high-plains canyon country, it’s a relaxed fishing and boating spot steeped in Old West and Native American history – Billy the Kid’s grave and the Bosque Redondo Memorial are just down the road.
This guide covers Sumner Lake: the fishing, the state park and history, and access. It’s part of our growing New Mexico Lakes Database.
Sumner Lake at a glance
- Surface area: ~4,500 acres on the Pecos River (level varies)
- Location: De Baca County, east-central New Mexico (near Fort Sumner)
- Top fish: walleye, white & largemouth bass, channel catfish, crappie, bluegill
Fishing Sumner Lake
Sumner is a solid warmwater fishery: walleye are a prime target, with white and largemouth bass, channel catfish, crappie and bluegill. A New Mexico fishing license is required. The lake’s level fluctuates with Pecos River flows and irrigation, which can concentrate fish; the area below the dam is also productive. The rocky canyon shoreline holds bass and walleye through the warm season.
The state park and history
Sumner Lake State Park offers campgrounds, boat ramps and day-use areas in the quiet canyon country, supporting boating, fishing and camping. Nearby Fort Sumner carries deep history: it’s the site of Bosque Redondo, where the U.S. Army forced thousands of Navajo and Mescalero Apache people during the tragic 1860s “Long Walk” (now a memorial), and the place where outlaw Billy the Kid was killed and buried. The combination of recreation and history makes the area a meaningful stop.
Getting there and what’s nearby
Sumner Lake is northwest of Fort Sumner off US-84/NM-203 in east-central New Mexico, about 45 minutes north of Roswell’s route toward I-40. The Billy the Kid Museum and the Bosque Redondo Memorial in Fort Sumner are nearby.
Know before you go
- Fishing license: a New Mexico license is required.
- Fluctuating level: a Pecos reservoir – check conditions before launching.
- History nearby: the Bosque Redondo Memorial and Billy the Kid’s grave are worth a visit.
Frequently asked questions
What fish are in Sumner Lake?
Walleye, white and largemouth bass, channel catfish, crappie and bluegill.
Where is Sumner Lake?
Northwest of Fort Sumner in De Baca County, east-central New Mexico, off US-84/NM-203.
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.
