Bonito Lake

Bonito Lake is now OPEN for fishing only

Bonito Lake reopened for fishing on Friday, August 30, 2024.

The lake was scheduled to open earlier this summer but was closed the day before its reopening due to the Blue 2 fire. After the fire was extinguished, the lake and surrounding area remained closed while crews worked to build sediment catchment basins to prevent a repeat of the tragic events that unfolded in 2012 after the Little Bear fire.

The Little Bear fire burned much of the surrounding area in 2012, and was followed by heavy monsoon rains that washed gravel and debris from the surrounding mountainsides into the lake. After over a decade, the lake and dam were restored, and the lake filled with water in 2023.

The City of Alamogordo is excited to begin restoring the recreational opportunities in the Bonito Lake area. Please remember that only fishing activities are permitted at Bonito Lake. All City of Alamogordo properties along the Rio Bonito and around Bonito Lake remain closed for any recreational activities at this time.

Read the PSA on the reopening of Bonito Lake for fishing only.

Bonito Lake Fishing Information:

Bonito Lake is scheduled to reopen for fishing at sunrise on August 30, 2024. The New Mexico Game & Fish Department stocked Bonito Lake with trout in May 2024 in anticipation of reopening then. However, due to the Blue 2 fire, the entire area was closed, and because of the construction of sediment catchment ponds designed to protect the lake from runoff and debris, the previous access points for fish re-stocking were blocked. The City of Alamogordo is working to re-establish points of access to stock fish.  

There is currently a sizable number of trout in the lake for the public to catch, and more will be stocked in the very near future. The City of Alamogordo and the New Mexico, Game & Fish Department, are in close communication as we move forward with re-opening efforts. 

Need a Fishing License?


Create a New Mexico Department of Game & Fish account and register for a fishing license.


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Be Ethical & Courteous

Use of this Open Gate Property is restricted to properly licensed sportspersons for the following Permitted Uses:

  • Pole and Line Fishing Only, in accordance with limitations specified in these rules.
  • All statewide regulations apply.
  • Bag Limits: 5 Trout species/day
  • Access allowed from 30 minutes before  Sunrise to 30 minutes after Sunset.
  • No entry unless you are a properly-licensed sportsperson or are accompanying a properly-licensed sportsperson or are license exempt.
  • No Alcoholic Beverages
  • No Camping
  • No Fires
  • No Littering
  • No Target Practice
  • No Swimming
  • No Ice Fishing
  • No Boating
  • No destructive acts, including vandalism, graffiti, theft, removal or defacing natural features, resources or signs.
  • Boats, canoes, kayaks or other floating devices are prohibited.
  • No motor vehicle travel except on open roads and in designated parking area.

Any person participating in any unlawful or prohibited activity will have consent to remain on the Property withdrawn and may be subject to criminal prosecution. Violations are punishable under Chapters 30 and 17 NMSA 1978 and 19.34.7.12 NMAC and fines and/or imprisonment as prescribed in 17-2-10 or 31-19-1 NMSA 1978.

Help Stop Poaching!

Call 800-432-4263 to report poachers and remain anonymous. You could earn a reward.

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 www.wildlife.state.nm.us

1 Wildlife Way, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87507

 

A view of Bonito Lake in the daytime. Photo credit: Melissa Garnett, NMDGF
Wooden steps descending to the water. Photo credit: Melissa Garnett, NMDGF
Open Gate Property sign at Bonito Lake with rules of use listed.
A high angle view of Bonito Lake in the daytime. Photo credit: Melissa Garnett, NMDGF