The Eagle Nest Lake Ice Fishing Tournament draws anglers to northern New Mexico each winter

The Eagle Nest Lake Ice Fishing Tournament is an annual winter event held on Eagle Nest Lake, located in Colfax County in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains near the town of Eagle Nest. The tournament typically takes place in January or February, when the lake's surface freezes thick enough to support anglers drilling holes and fishing from the ice. The event is organized by local fishing clubs and the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, and it draws both experienced ice fishers and people trying ice fishing for the first time.

The tournament is structured around categories for different fish species — primarily northern pike, walleye, and trout — with prizes awarded for the heaviest fish in each category. Registration usually happens on the morning of the event at the lake, and anglers fish during a set window of hours, typically from early morning through early afternoon. The entry fee is modest, and the atmosphere is social: people gather in heated shelters, share techniques, and watch the weigh-in at day's end.

Key Takeaways

  • The tournament runs for one day in January or February when ice thickness is safe, with registration on the morning of the event at Eagle Nest Lake.
  • You fish for northern pike, walleye, and trout in separate categories, with prizes for the heaviest fish in each species.
  • Bring your own ice fishing gear — auger, rod, tip-ups, and shelter — or rent equipment locally if you do not own it.
  • Eagle Nest Lake sits at 8,000 feet elevation in the mountains, so dress warmly and check weather and ice conditions before you drive up.
  • The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish requires a valid fishing license for anyone over 12 years old, regardless of tournament participation.

When the tournament happens and how to register

The exact dates shift each year depending on ice thickness and weather. The tournament is typically held in late January or early February, but you should contact the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish or check local fishing club websites in December to confirm the year's date. Registration opens on the morning of the tournament at the lake itself — there is no pre-registration online or by phone. You show up early, pay the entry fee (usually between $10 and $25 per angler), and receive your fishing assignment or time slot.

Fishing hours are usually set from sunrise or early morning through mid-afternoon, giving anglers a 6- to 8-hour window. The weigh-in happens at a designated time, typically in the late afternoon, and you must bring your fish to the official weigh station before the deadline. Any fish caught after the weigh-in closes does not count toward prizes.

What gear you need to bring

Ice fishing requires different equipment than open-water fishing. You will need an ice auger to drill holes through the ice — hand augers are common and do not require fuel, though power augers are faster if you plan to drill many holes. Bring an ice fishing rod, which is shorter and more sensitive than a standard fishing rod, along with a reel spooled with line appropriate for the species you are targeting. Walleye and pike fishing often uses jigging spoons or live bait, so pack small jigs, spoons, and if you plan to use live bait, a way to keep minnows alive in a bucket with an aerator.

A shelter or windbreak is not required but makes the day far more comfortable. Many anglers bring small portable ice shelters (also called ice tents or ice houses), which trap heat and block wind. If you do not own one, you can sit on a bucket or cooler and use a windbreak blanket. Bring a cooler with snacks and water, a headlamp or flashlight for early morning, and hand and foot warmers. Dress in layers — base layer, insulating middle layer, and a waterproof outer shell — because wet clothes cool you fast at 8,000 feet elevation.

If you do not own ice fishing gear, several outfitters near Eagle Nest rent augers, shelters, and rods. Call ahead to reserve equipment, especially if the tournament date is confirmed and other anglers are likely to rent as well.

Fishing license and regulations

New Mexico requires a valid fishing license for anyone age 12 and older, whether or not you are fishing in a tournament. You can purchase a one-day license, a five-day license, or an annual license through the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish website or at sporting goods stores in Eagle Nest and nearby towns. Bring your license with you to the lake — you may be asked to show it during the tournament.

Eagle Nest Lake has specific regulations on bag limits, minimum size requirements, and which species are open to harvest. These rules change year to year, so check the current New Mexico fishing regulations before you go. The tournament organizers will also post any special rules for the event — for example, some tournaments restrict the use of live bait or require catch-and-release for certain species. Read the tournament rules when you register.

Getting to Eagle Nest Lake and what to expect

Eagle Nest Lake is located about 25 miles north of Angel Fire and roughly 90 miles northeast of Santa Fe. From Angel Fire, take US-64 north toward Cimarron, then follow signs to Eagle Nest. The drive is scenic but can be slow in winter — the road climbs into the mountains and may have snow or ice, so allow extra time and check road conditions before you leave. The lake sits at 8,000 feet elevation, so the air is thin and cold, and weather can change quickly.

The lake has a public boat ramp and parking area where the tournament is held. Arrive early on tournament day to secure a parking spot and complete registration before the fishing window opens. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming — you will see anglers of all ages and experience levels, from people who ice fish every winter to families trying it for the first time. Local fishing clubs often set up heated shelters where people gather between fishing sessions.

What to do if you are new to ice fishing

Ice fishing is not as complicated as it looks, and the Eagle Nest Lake tournament is a good place to learn. The basic technique is simple: drill a hole, drop a jig or live bait down, and watch for a bite. Unlike open-water fishing, you are standing still and watching a small area, so you can focus on feeling the line and watching a tip-up (a simple device that signals when a fish bites). Many experienced anglers at the tournament are happy to share tips if you ask.

Start by fishing near other people — not right on top of them, but close enough to see what they are doing and ask questions. Bring more than one rod if you can, because fishing multiple holes increases your chances. Keep your bait or lures moving slightly; jigging — lifting and dropping the lure — often triggers bites better than leaving it still. If you are not catching fish in one hole after 15 or 20 minutes, drill another hole and try a different spot.

Preparing for mountain weather and safety

Eagle Nest Lake is in the high mountains, and weather can be severe. January and February temperatures often drop to the teens or below zero, especially at night and early morning. Wind chill makes it feel even colder. Check the forecast before you drive up, and be prepared to turn back if conditions are unsafe — icy roads or whiteout snow are not worth the risk.

Ice thickness is critical for safety. The tournament organizers will not hold the event unless the ice is at least 4 inches thick, which is the minimum for walking safely. Even so, stay alert: avoid areas near the inlet or outlet where water flows and ice may be thinner, and never venture far from the main fishing area alone. If you fall through the ice, the cold water can cause shock and hypothermia within minutes. Wear a personal flotation device or ice rescue suit if you are uncomfortable on ice, and fish with a buddy when possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a fishing license to fish in the tournament?

Yes. New Mexico requires a valid fishing license for anyone age 12 and older. You can buy a one-day license at the lake or online through the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish before you go. The license is separate from the tournament entry fee.

What if I have never ice fished before?

The Eagle Nest Lake tournament welcomes beginners. Bring basic gear or rent it locally, watch what experienced anglers are doing, and ask questions. The social atmosphere means people are usually willing to share tips. Start with jigging a small spoon or jig in shallow water near shore.

Can I fish alone, or do I need to bring someone?

You can fish alone, but it is safer and more fun to fish with a friend or family member. Many people attend as families or small groups. If you do fish alone, stay in the main tournament area and let someone know your plans.

What if the lake is not frozen thick enough when the tournament date arrives?

The tournament organizers monitor ice thickness and will postpone or cancel if conditions are unsafe. Check with the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish or local fishing clubs a few days before the scheduled date to confirm the event is still on.

Can I keep the fish I catch, or is it catch-and-release?

Tournament rules vary by year. Some tournaments allow you to keep your catch; others require release. Check the specific rules posted at registration. New Mexico's general bag limits apply regardless — you cannot keep more fish than the state allows.