Largemouth Bass

While Chama, New Mexico, is better known for its trout fishing, anglers can find some largemouth bass opportunities in the area's reservoirs and slower-moving sections of the rivers. El Vado Lake and Heron Lake are your best bets. The warmer months, from late spring through early fall, offer the most consistent bass fishing. During the spring spawn, focus on shallow, weedy areas. As the water warms, bass will move to deeper structure. For El Vado, target the submerged timber and rocky points. For Heron Lake, focus on weed lines and drop-offs. Topwater lures can be effective early and late in the day, while crankbaits and plastic worms work well in deeper water. The largemouth bass in these higher-elevation lakes tend to grow slower than in warmer climates, so don't expect trophy-sized fish, but a few quality fish are definitely possible. Be aware of changing weather conditions, as mountain weather can be unpredictable.