San Juan County, NM · Reservoir
Navajo Lake
A deep, clear 15,000-acre reservoir on the San Juan above the famous tailwater, straddling the New Mexico–Colorado line. One of the best smallmouth bass lakes in the Southwest, with kokanee salmon, northern pike, largemouth bass, and trout. Navajo Lake State Park provides ramps and shoreline access.
Live · updated
Top picks today
Smallmouth Bass, Kokanee Salmon, Northern Pike & Largemouth Bass — tied at the top (68/100)
4 species tied for best of 4 tracked at Navajo Lake.
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Species at Navajo Lake
4 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top 4 (tied) are open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Smallmouth Bass Workable day for Smallmouth Bass. In season 68/100
What's helping
- 15 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Micropterus dolomieu — Premier gamefish of the non-tidal Potomac, the Upper Susquehanna, and Deep Creek Lake. Pound-for-pound one of the hardest-fighting freshwater fish. Hits tubes, crayfish imitations, spinnerbaits, and topwater poppers.
Prefers. Water 55–78°F (ideal 68°F) · either tide · depth 3–30 ft.
- Daily creel
- 5
New Mexico: 5 black bass/day (largemouth and smallmouth combined).
Source: New Mexico non-tidal regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
#1 Kokanee Salmon Workable day for Kokanee Salmon. In season 68/100
What's helping
- 15 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Oncorhynchus nerka — Landlocked sockeye salmon — the marquee coldwater reservoir fishery of the Mountain West. A plankton feeder that suspends along the thermocline and is caught by downrigger trolling with squids and dodgers spring through fall, and through the ice in winter. The fall spawning run turns the fish brilliant red and triggers snagging seasons on designated waters; prized as table fare. In Colorado, Blue Mesa is the flagship water, with Dillon and Granby also producing.
Prefers. Water 45–59°F (ideal 53°F) · either tide · depth 20–120 ft.
- Daily creel
- 12
New Mexico: 12 kokanee/day during the open season (snagging allowed on designated waters in the fall run).
Source: New Mexico non-tidal regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
#1 Northern Pike Workable day for Northern Pike. In season 68/100
What's helping
- 15 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Esox lucius — A toothy, torpedo-shaped ambush predator that lurks in weed edges and drop-offs and strikes large spoons, spinnerbaits, and live suckers. Spawns in shallow flooded vegetation right after ice-out, holds shallow in spring and fall, and slides deeper through summer. Caught year-round, including through the ice — the prairie reservoirs of the northern plains, Fort Peck chief among them, grow trophy "gators" past 20 lb.
Prefers. Water 50–70°F (ideal 63°F) · either tide · depth 4–30 ft.
- Daily creel
- no limit
New Mexico: no bag or possession limit on northern pike — all caught must be kept; harvest is encouraged (e.g., Navajo Lake).
Source: New Mexico non-tidal regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
#1 Largemouth Bass Workable day for Largemouth Bass. In season 68/100
What's helping
- 15 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Micropterus salmoides — Most popular gamefish in MD non-tidal waters. Ambush predator around cover — lily pads, submerged timber, docks, grass edges. Hits plastics, spinnerbaits, jigs, and topwater across the season.
Prefers. Water 55–85°F (ideal 72°F) · either tide · depth 3–25 ft.
- Daily creel
- 5
New Mexico: 5 black bass/day; 14" minimum on designated Trophy Bass Waters. Confirm the water.
Source: New Mexico non-tidal regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
Location Info
Water Body
Reservoir
Access
Pier, shore, and ramp
Jurisdiction
New Mexico non-tidal
Coordinates
Notes
NM: 5 black bass/day, 12 kokanee/day; no limit on northern pike (harvest encouraged). The trophy trout tailwater is just below the dam.
Local reports & rules for Navajo Lake: New Mexico Game & Fish fishing report → · trout stocking schedule → · fish-consumption advisories (EPA directory) →
Nearby Access Points
Frequently Asked
Do I need a fishing license to fish at Navajo Lake?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at Navajo Lake you need the appropriate state fishing license. See the agency's current rules: the state agency website
What fish are commonly targeted at Navajo Lake?
Navajo Lake is listed on this site for 4 commonly-targeted species: Smallmouth Bass, Kokanee Salmon, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass. Which species is currently in season and which is scoring highest today is shown in the per-species ranking on this page.
When is the best time to fish at Navajo Lake?
It depends more on the species and the day's conditions than on a fixed "best hour." Water temperature, weather, and — at tidal locations — the stage of the tide drive activity most. The per-species ranking on this page scores every target species at Navajo Lake against today's live conditions, so the fish near the top are your best bets right now; check back as conditions change through the day.
What kind of access does Navajo Lake have?
Navajo Lake has multiple access types — pier, shoreline, and at least one public boat ramp. NM: 5 black bass/day, 12 kokanee/day; no limit on northern pike (harvest encouraged). The trophy trout tailwater is just below the dam.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at Navajo Lake?
state agency regulations apply at Navajo Lake. Size limits, creel limits, and seasonal closures are listed per species on each species page. Always confirm against the agency source linked from each regulation block — emergency closures can take effect mid-season.
Is Navajo Lake tidal water?
No. Navajo Lake is non-tidal — water level varies with rainfall, seasonal flow, and (where applicable) upstream dam releases rather than tidal exchange.