Fenton Lake is a peaceful mountain trout lake in the Jemez Mountains of north-central New Mexico – a small, spring-fed lake at 7,650 feet, ringed by ponderosa pines and meadows in some of the prettiest country near Santa Fe and Albuquerque. A reliable trout fishery with an accessible state park, it’s a beloved spot for family fishing, paddling and cool-season escapes.
This guide covers Fenton Lake: the trout fishing, the Jemez setting, and access. It’s part of our growing New Mexico Lakes Database.
Fenton Lake at a glance
- Surface area: ~35 acres at about 7,650 ft, in the Jemez Mountains
- Location: Sandoval County, north-central New Mexico (near Jemez Springs & La Cueva)
- Top fish: rainbow & brown trout (stocked)
Fishing Fenton Lake
Fenton is managed as a trout lake, regularly stocked with rainbow and brown trout in its cool, clear water. A New Mexico fishing license is required. The lake is known for easy, family-friendly fishing – including a wheelchair-accessible fishing area – and anglers fish from the bank, float tubes and small non-motorized boats. The cold high-country water keeps the trout healthy, and it fishes well much of the year, with ice fishing in cold winters.
The Jemez setting and recreation
Fenton Lake State Park offers campgrounds, picnic areas and trails in a gorgeous setting of pine forest and mountain meadow along the Rio Cebolla. In winter, the area is popular for cross-country skiing. The lake sits in the heart of the Jemez Mountains near the Valles Caldera National Preserve and the hot springs and red rocks of Jemez Springs, making it a fine base for exploring one of New Mexico’s most scenic regions.
Getting there and what’s nearby
Fenton Lake is northwest of Jemez Springs off NM-126 in north-central New Mexico, about 1.5 hours from both Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Valles Caldera, the Jemez hot springs and the Jemez Pueblo are nearby.
Know before you go
- Fishing license: a New Mexico license is required.
- High & cool: at 7,650 ft it stays cool – bring layers, and check road conditions in winter.
- Best seasons: spring through fall for trout; winter for ice fishing and skiing.
Frequently asked questions
What fish are in Fenton Lake?
Stocked rainbow and brown trout, in cool, clear high-elevation water.
Where is Fenton Lake?
In the Jemez Mountains northwest of Jemez Springs, Sandoval County, north-central New Mexico, off NM-126.
Related: explore the small lakes of 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.
