The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (point drop-off) is open for everyone; the other 6 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
El Vado Lake
Rio Arriba County, New Mexico · 3,200 acres (5 sq mi)
49°F water, calm this morning.
About El Vado Lake
El Vado Lake is a reservoir in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico, covering 3,200 acres. It was made by El Vado Dam on the Rio Chama.
From end to end it runs about 4.4 miles with roughly 20 miles of shoreline. Its surface is about 6,850 ft above sea level. It reaches about 167 ft at its deepest. Tierra Amarilla lies about 11 miles to the northeast.
- Size
- 3,200 acres (5 sq mi)
- Deepest
- About 167 ft
- Shoreline
- About 20 miles
- End to end
- About 4.4 miles
- Elevation
- About 6,850 ft
- Type
- Reservoir
- Dam
- El Vado Dam, Rio Chama
- County
- Rio Arriba County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Saturday Slow
Sunday Good
- 6:15 am – 8:30 amsunrise · wind 0 mph
- 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 0 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish in El Vado Lake
El Vado Lake holds trout and kokanee salmon. With the surface at 49°F, the notes below say which of them should be biting.
- GoodTrout
Good range. Near the surface and along shorelines.
- FairKokanee salmon
Near the surface in the cool water. Troll slowly.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Point drop-off
The bottom falls away fast off this point; fish rest deep and move up the slope to feed.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
6 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
At the surface, seen .
Water level
No daily level reading for this lake.
Ice
No clear view of the ice yet
Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 6:43 am · sunset 4:59 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near El Vado Lake
- Tierra Amarillaabout 11 mi northeast
- Chamaabout 20 mi northeast
- Dulceabout 23 mi northwest
- Navajoabout 26 mi northwest
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Questions about El Vado Lake
What fish are in El Vado Lake?
El Vado Lake holds trout and kokanee salmon. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is El Vado Lake?
About 167 ft at the deepest point. The 3-D view shows where the deep water is.
How big is El Vado Lake?
3,200 acres, with about 20 miles of shoreline.
What town is near El Vado Lake?
Tierra Amarilla is about 11 miles northeast; Chama is about 20 miles northeast.
What is the water temperature at El Vado Lake today?
The surface was about 49°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
El Vado Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
