Jan 25, 2024 · Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department

[MEDIA ADVISORY] Eagle Nest Lake State Park to host largest ice fishing tournament in New Mexico

Michelle Lujan Grisham, Governor

Dylan Fuge, Deputy Cabinet Secretary

Toby Velasquez, State Parks Division Director

MEDIA ADVISORY:

Contact:

Wendy Mason

Marketing & Public Relations Manager

NM State Parks Division

wendy.mason@emnrd.nm.gov

505-819-1785

Sidney Hill

Public Information Officer, EMNRD

sidney.hill@emnrd.nm.gov

505-629-2900

January 25, 2024

Eagle Nest Lake State Park to host largest ice fishing tournament in New Mexico

Eagle Nest, NM – Join New Mexico State Parks on Saturday, January 27, 2024, for the Eagle Nest Lake State Park Annual Ice Fishing Tournament!

The event, sponsored by the Friends of Eagle Nest Lake and Cimarron Canyon State Parks in cooperation with NM Department of Game and Fish and New Mexico State Parks , is one of largest ice fishing tournaments in the state. Be sure to bring cash for the park entrance fee, registration fees, and raffle tickets. More than $7,000 in prize money was given out in 2023! You must be present to win.

Registration begins at 6:00 AM and all fish must be turned in no later than 3:00 PM.

What: Eagle Nest Lake State Park Annual Ice Fishing Tournament

When: Saturday, January 27

6:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Where: Eagle Nest Lake State Park

42 Marina Way

Eagle Nest, NM 87718

Fees: State Park entrance fee: $5.00 per vehicle (cash only)

Ice fishing tournament entry fee: $10.00

Contact: Jordan Mitchell 575-377-1594

State Parks officials would like to remind visitors that ice fishing is inherently dangerous and that anglers are participating at their own risk. Always consider the following safety precautions before going ice fishing:

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; pressure ridges, 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.

(Figures 1 & 2) Alex Torres takes the top prize for largest Pike, and Largest Fish overall (35 inches long) for the 2023 Eagle Nest Lake Ice Fishing Tournament. (Figure 3) Warren Sullivan places first in the trout category. Photos courtesy: Friends of Eagle Nest Lake and Cimarron Canyon State Parks.

Adventurous anglers try their luck on a frozen Eagle Nest Lake (2021). Photo courtesy: Friends of Eagle Nest Lake and Cimarron Canyon State Parks.

For updates about current ice conditions at Eagle Nest Lake State Park call (575) 377-1594.

Ready for warmer weather? We’re booking for spring and summer now! Reserve your camping space up to six months in advance at any of your 35 New Mexico State Parks through reserveamerica.com .

For more information about the State Parks Division of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD) go to our website at http://www.emnrd.nm.gov/ .

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The Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department provides resource protection and resource development services to the public and other state agencies. Learn more at https://www.emnrd.nm.gov