Lake Roberts hosts a spring trout tournament each year, usually in April or May

Lake Roberts, near Silver City in Grant County, runs an annual trout tournament that draws anglers from across the region. The tournament typically takes place in late April or early May, though the exact dates shift year to year. You fish from dawn to a set cutoff time — usually mid-afternoon — and the heaviest fish or the most fish caught (depending on the tournament format that year) wins. Entry fees are modest, and the lake stocks rainbow and cutthroat trout specifically for the event.

The tournament is open to the public, and you do not need to be a member of any club or organization to enter. Registration happens on the morning of the event at the lake, and you can also call ahead to the Silver City Chamber of Commerce or check with the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish for the current year's details, since tournament dates and rules can change.

Key Takeaways

  • Lake Roberts trout tournament runs in late April or early May each year, with exact dates announced by the Silver City Chamber of Commerce and the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish.
  • You can register on the morning of the tournament at the lake; entry fees are low and the event is open to anyone with a valid New Mexico fishing license.
  • The lake is stocked with rainbow and cutthroat trout before the tournament, so success does not depend on year-round fishing knowledge of the water.
  • Bring a cooler, your own tackle, and plan to fish from early morning until the afternoon cutoff time announced at registration.
  • Call ahead to confirm the current year's date and format, since tournament structure and timing vary.

What you need to bring and what the lake provides

You will need a valid New Mexico fishing license before you arrive. You can purchase a one-day license online through the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish website or at most sporting goods stores in Silver City. Bring your own rod, reel, and tackle — the tournament does not provide equipment. A cooler with ice is essential if you plan to keep your catch; the lake has no fish-cleaning station, so you will clean your fish at home or at your lodging.

The lake itself is a reservoir about 3,500 feet in elevation, roughly 70 acres, with boat access and shore access. Most tournament anglers fish from boats, but shore fishing is allowed. If you do not have a boat, you can rent one from the marina or fish from the bank near the parking area and picnic grounds. Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat — the high desert sun is intense even in spring, and there is little shade on the water.

How to fish Lake Roberts for trout

Lake Roberts trout respond well to small spinners, spoons, and soft plastics in the 1- to 2-inch range. Chartreuse, white, and silver are reliable colors. If you prefer bait, small minnows and PowerBait work, though artificial lures tend to be faster and more efficient in a tournament setting where time matters. Cast near the dam, along the rocky shoreline, and in the deeper channels — trout hold in cooler water, so avoid the shallows in midday heat.

The tournament format changes year to year: some years it is heaviest fish, some years it is most fish caught. Ask at registration which applies so you can adjust your strategy. If it is heaviest fish, focus on deeper structure and larger lures. If it is most fish, work shallower, faster, and keep moving. Either way, keep your first good fish and continue fishing — you can always replace it with a larger one if the format allows.

When to arrive and what to expect on tournament day

Arrive at least an hour before the tournament start time. Registration fills up early, and you want time to rig your rod, scout the water, and get your bearings. The lake has a parking area and boat launch near the dam. If you are launching a boat, plan extra time for that process — the launch can get crowded on tournament morning.

The tournament typically runs from sunrise to 2 or 3 p.m., though confirm the exact cutoff at registration. You must return to the weigh-in area by the deadline with your fish still alive or on ice. Weigh-in happens at the marina or near the parking area, and winners are announced shortly after. Prizes are usually modest cash or gift certificates to local businesses, but the real draw is the fishing itself and the chance to compete alongside other anglers who love the lake.

Getting to Lake Roberts from Silver City

Lake Roberts is about 15 miles north of Silver City. From downtown Silver City, take New Mexico Highway 15 north toward Gila. The lake turnoff is well marked. The drive takes roughly 20 to 25 minutes. There is a small day-use fee to enter the lake area — check current rates with the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish or at the gate. The lake has picnic tables, restrooms, and a boat launch, but no lodging on-site. Silver City has motels and restaurants if you want to stay overnight.

Cell service can be spotty at the lake, so do not rely on your phone for navigation once you leave the highway. Download a map or write down directions before you go. The road is paved all the way to the lake, and the area is accessible year-round, though the tournament is a spring event.

Fishing Lake Roberts outside tournament season

Lake Roberts is open to fishing year-round with a valid New Mexico license. The lake holds trout through the winter and spring, though summer heat can slow fishing. Fall and early winter are excellent times to fish if you miss the tournament. The lake is less crowded on regular days, and you can learn the water at your own pace. Many anglers use the off-season to scout spots they plan to fish during the tournament the following spring.

The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish stocks the lake regularly, so trout are present throughout the year. Regulations are standard statewide: check the current fishing guide for bag limits, size restrictions, and any special rules that may apply to Lake Roberts specifically.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a New Mexico fishing license to fish the tournament?

Yes. You must have a valid New Mexico fishing license before you fish. You can buy a one-day license online or at sporting goods stores in Silver City. The license is inexpensive and covers you for the entire day.

Can I fish from shore, or do I need a boat?

You can fish from shore. Most tournament anglers use boats because they can cover more water, but shore fishing is allowed and productive, especially near the dam and rocky areas. If you do not have a boat, the marina rents them.

What if I catch a fish but it dies before weigh-in?

Keep it on ice in your cooler. Most tournaments allow dead fish at weigh-in as long as they are kept cold and presented in good condition. Confirm the specific rule at registration, since formats vary year to year.

How do I find out the exact date for next year's tournament?

Contact the Silver City Chamber of Commerce or the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish in early spring. Both organizations announce the tournament date and registration details several weeks in advance. You can also check their websites or call ahead in March to ask when dates will be posted.

What is the entry fee?

Entry fees are typically $15 to $25 per angler, though the exact amount varies year to year. Ask at registration on tournament day. The fee usually includes a chance to win prizes, and proceeds often support lake maintenance or local conservation efforts.