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 5 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Heron Lake
Rio Arriba County, New Mexico · 5,900 acres (9.2 sq mi)
50°F water, calm this morning.
About Heron Lake
Heron Lake is a reservoir in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico, covering 5,900 acres. It was made by Heron Dam on the Willow Creek. Heron Lake has a no-wake boating policy, making it popular for sailing and quiet fishing.
From end to end it runs about 6.1 miles and its shoreline adds up to about 27 miles. The water sits about 7,150 ft above sea level. Tierra Amarilla lies about 4.8 miles to the east.
- Size
- 5,900 acres (9.2 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 27 miles
- End to end
- About 6.1 miles
- Elevation
- About 7,150 ft
- Type
- Reservoir
- Dam
- Heron Dam, Willow Creek
- County
- Rio Arriba County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Saturday Good
- 3:15 pm – 5:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 10 mph
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 Heron Lake
Anglers come to Heron Lake for trout and kokanee salmon. At 50°F on the surface right now, here is how each one should behave.
- 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
5 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 4:58 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Heron Lake
- Tierra Amarillaabout 4.8 mi east
- Chamaabout 13 mi northeast
- Dulceabout 21 mi northwest
- Navajoabout 24 mi northwest
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Questions about Heron Lake
What fish are in Heron Lake?
Heron Lake holds trout and kokanee salmon. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Heron Lake?
We have no published depth for this lake. The 3-D view gives an estimated shape of the bed: where the deep basin and the drop-offs are. Not for navigation.
How big is Heron Lake?
5,900 acres, with about 27 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Heron Lake?
Tierra Amarilla is about 4.8 miles east; Chama is about 13 miles northeast.
What is the water temperature at Heron Lake today?
The surface was about 50°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Heron Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
