Quemado Lake is a serene mountain trout lake in the pine forests of west-central New Mexico – a 130-acre gem high in the Gila country near the Arizona line. Cool, clear and quiet, ringed by ponderosa pines and laced with campgrounds and trails, it’s a classic trout-fishing and camping escape far from the crowds.
This guide covers Quemado Lake: the fishing, the forest setting, and access. It’s part of our growing New Mexico Lakes Database.
Quemado Lake at a glance
- Surface area: ~130 acres at about 7,800 ft, in the Apache-Sitgreaves/Gila forest country
- Location: Catron County, west-central New Mexico (near Quemado)
- Top fish: rainbow trout (stocked), with some catfish and other species
Fishing Quemado Lake
Quemado is managed primarily as a trout lake, regularly stocked with rainbow trout in its cool, clear water, with some catfish and other species present. A New Mexico fishing license is required. The high elevation keeps the water cold and the trout healthy, and anglers fish from the bank, float tubes and small boats. It’s a relaxed, scenic place to fish.
The forest setting and recreation
Surrounded by ponderosa pine forest at nearly 8,000 feet, Quemado Lake is a cool summer retreat with several Forest Service campgrounds, picnic areas and hiking trails (including a loop around the lake). Paddling, camping, hiking and wildlife watching round out the experience, and the dark skies are excellent for stargazing. It’s a gateway to the vast, wild Gila high country.
Getting there and what’s nearby
Quemado Lake is about 20 miles south of Quemado off NM-32/103 in west-central New Mexico, near the Arizona border. The Gila National Forest, the El Malpais country and the remote ranching town of Quemado are nearby.
Know before you go
- Fishing license: a New Mexico license is required.
- Remote & high: bring supplies and layers – it’s far from services and cool even in summer.
- Best seasons: late spring through fall for trout and camping.
Frequently asked questions
What fish are in Quemado Lake?
Primarily stocked rainbow trout, with some catfish and other species, in cold, high-elevation water.
Where is Quemado Lake?
About 20 miles south of Quemado in Catron County, west-central New Mexico, near the Arizona line.
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.
