Fenton Lake State Park Opens to Ice Fishing

By NM Parks

Fenton Lake State Park will open to ice fishing beginning Saturday, January 2nd. Recent cold weather has increased the lake’s ice thickness to minimum standards for this access, according to New Mexico State Parks officials. The State Parks Division and the Department of Game and Fish jointly manage the lake and surroundings. State Parks has the authority to close or restrict access to areas of parks, as well as to restrict, limit or prohibit activities such as ice fishing as conditions require. Such actions are taken in the interest of public safety and resource protection. Please refer to the parks website for current information on public health orders.

Several state parks are also open to ice fishing which include Eagle Nest Lake State Park, Lake Maloya and Lake Alice at Sugarite Canyon State Park near Raton.  Effective January 2^nd, the surface of Eagle Nest Lake is now open to access by snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles for ice fishing and other recreational activities on the ice. Side by side and Utility Task Vehicles are prohibited. The only access to the ice for ATVs is at the south boat ramp in the main area south of the Visitor Center.

State officials remind you that you take a risk anytime you go out onto the ice. Before going out onto the ice, consider the following safety precautions:

·       Don’t fish alone. Before you leave shore, inform someone of your destination and expected time of return.

·       Lifejackets Save Lives. Always wear a lifejacket (personal flotation device).

·       Be aware of and prepared for weather conditions. Dress in layers and wear thermal underwear, fleece or wool, and wind and waterproof outerwear, especially for feet, hands, and head. Take extra clothes, food, water, etc.

·       Keep fishing holes small and few. When drilling fishing holes with an ice auger, keep the diameter under eight inches. Bigger holes are not necessary to land fish and can create a safety hazard for others.

·       Watch your step. Avoid ice fishing near feeder streams or known springs; brush, logs, plants, or docks; multiple ice cracks or ice that is popping or otherwise audible; and dark colored ice that may be weak. Ice spikes are recommended for self-rescue.

·       Spread out. Too many people congregated in one area may be more than the ice can safely support. Disperse weight and fishing holes.

·       Do not throw rocks or other objects on to ice.

·       Do not disturb wildlife.

For more information and current updates about the lake’s ice conditions, please contact Fenton Lake State Park, (575) 829-3630, and for questions about fishing in northwestern New Mexico, call the Department of Game and Fish.