Stone Lake is one of the finest trout lakes on the Jicarilla Apache Nation, set in high, pine-rimmed country about 18 miles south of Dulce in Rio Arriba County, northern New Mexico. Famous for producing rainbow trout up to 10 pounds, it’s a bucket-list catch for anglers who don’t mind fishing under a tribal permit. This guide is part of our growing New Mexico Lakes Database.
Stone Lake at a glance
- Location: Jicarilla Apache Nation, about 18 miles south of Dulce, Rio Arriba County
- Top fish: rainbow trout (to about 10 lbs), plus largemouth bass and brown trout
- Setting: a high-country lake near the Continental Divide, stocked by the tribe
- Permit: a Jicarilla tribal fishing permit is required — no New Mexico state license needed
- Cultural note: Stone Lake hosts the Jicarilla’s annual Gojiiya feast in September
Trophy trout on the Jicarilla
The Jicarilla Apache Nation manages a string of stocked lakes across its high, forested reservation, and Stone Lake is among the best known. It has a reputation for big rainbow trout — fish in the 5-to-10-pound class turn up here — along with brown trout and largemouth bass. The tribe stocks and manages the water carefully, and the remote, uncrowded setting is a big part of the appeal.
Fishing Stone Lake: permits and rules
To fish Stone Lake (or any Jicarilla water) you need a Jicarilla Game & Fish permit, carried on you while on tribal land; a New Mexico state fishing license is not required on Nation waters. Permits and current regulations come from the Jicarilla Game & Fish Department in Dulce. Always check the latest proclamation, as stocking and open waters change from season to season.
Know before you go
- Permit: Jicarilla tribal fishing permit required; no NM state license needed on the reservation.
- Best for: trophy rainbow trout, plus brown trout and bass, in a quiet high-country setting.
- Respect: this is tribal land — follow all Nation rules and closures, especially around the September Gojiiya feast.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a permit to fish Stone Lake, NM?
Yes — a Jicarilla Apache Nation fishing permit is required and must be carried on you. You do not need a New Mexico state license to fish Nation waters.
What fish are in Stone Lake?
Rainbow trout (sometimes to about 10 pounds), brown trout and largemouth bass, stocked and managed by the Jicarilla tribe.
Where is Stone Lake?
On the Jicarilla Apache Nation, about 18 miles south of Dulce in Rio Arriba County, northern New Mexico.
Related: explore more 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.
