What Williams Lake offers and how to fish it

Williams Lake sits at 9,400 feet in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, about 20 miles northeast of Taos, and holds a mix of rainbow and cutthroat trout in water cold enough to support them year-round. The lake is small — roughly 15 acres — which means you can cover most of it in a morning and often find fish concentrated in predictable spots rather than scattered across miles of open water. The shoreline is rocky and steep in places, with willows and scattered pines, and the water stays clear enough that sight-fishing works when the sun is high.

Access is straightforward: drive north from Taos on US 285, turn east on Forest Road 3, and follow it to the trailhead parking area. The hike in is about 2 miles and gains roughly 500 feet, so it is not strenuous but does require you to carry your gear. The trail is well-maintained and marked, and you will see other anglers on weekends, especially in summer and early fall.

Trout here respond to small spinners, spoons, and flies. Kastmasters and Panther Martins in sizes 1/8 to 1/4 ounce work well when you are moving around the shoreline. If you fly-fish, bring small nymphs — size 14 to 18 — and dry flies in the same range, especially midges and small mayflies. The lake does not have heavy insect hatches like lower-elevation waters, so matching the hatch is less critical than fishing the right depth and structure.

Key Takeaways

  • Williams Lake holds rainbow and cutthroat trout at 9,400 feet elevation, about 20 miles northeast of Taos via US 285 and Forest Road 3.
  • The 2-mile hike to the lake is moderate and well-marked, but you will need to carry your gear and plan for high-altitude conditions.
  • Small spinners, spoons, and flies work best; fish the rocky points and deeper water near the dam where trout concentrate.
  • Summer and early fall are the most reliable seasons, though the lake is fishable from late spring through October depending on snow.
  • A New Mexico fishing license is required, and the lake sits on Carson National Forest land where standard forest rules apply.

When to fish Williams Lake

Summer and early fall — June through September — are the peak seasons. The lake is usually ice-free by late May or early June, depending on snowmelt, and water temperatures are cold enough to keep trout active all day. July and August can bring afternoon thunderstorms, so plan to be off the water by mid-afternoon and watch the sky.

Fall fishing from September through early October is often the best: fewer anglers, stable weather, and trout feeding heavily before winter. By late October, snow begins to accumulate at this elevation, and the road to the trailhead may become impassable. Winter access is possible for snowshoers, but the lake is not a practical destination for most anglers during that season.

Spring is unpredictable. Snowmelt can keep the lake high and cold through May, and the hike in can be muddy or snow-covered. Call the Carson National Forest office in Taos before making the trip if you are planning to visit before June.

How to fish the shoreline and structure

The lake's rocky points and the area near the dam hold the most trout. Start at the dam and work your way around the eastern shoreline, casting spinners parallel to the rocks. Fish move into slightly deeper water during the heat of the day, so if you are not getting strikes in the shallows by mid-morning, move out 15 to 20 feet and work the drop-offs.

The western shoreline has willows and is harder to fish with a spinning rod, but it can hold fish in the shade during hot afternoons. If you fly-fish, this is a good place to wade and prospect with nymphs. The water is coldest and deepest near the dam, and that is where you will find trout during the warmest part of the day.

Early morning and late afternoon are most productive, especially in summer. Fish the shallows and rocky points during these times, when trout move into feeding zones. Midday fishing is slower but not impossible if you focus on deeper water and shade.

Gear and tackle for high-altitude trout

Bring a 5- to 6-weight fly rod if you fly-fish, or a light spinning rod — 5 to 6 feet — if you prefer spinners. The trout are not large, so light tackle is appropriate and more fun. A 4-weight fly rod works fine, and many anglers use ultralight spinning setups with 4- to 6-pound test line.

Pack more flies or spinners than you think you will need. The rocky bottom and willows will cost you tackle, and the nearest fly shop is in Taos. Bring a net if you have one — the rocky shoreline makes landing fish by hand difficult. A small backpack with a water bottle, sunscreen, and a light layer is essential; the weather at 9,400 feet changes quickly, and afternoon wind can make the lake uncomfortable.

Waders are not necessary in summer, but a pair of water shoes or boots with good grip helps on the slippery rocks. The water is cold year-round, so if you wade, wear neoprene waders even in July.

Regulations and permits

You need a current New Mexico fishing license, available online through the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish website or at sporting goods stores in Taos. The lake is on Carson National Forest land, and standard forest rules apply: no camping within 100 feet of the water, pack out all trash, and use established fire rings only if you build a fire at all.

Trout limits and size restrictions vary by year and are set by the state. Check the current regulations before you go — the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish publishes an annual guide, and the Carson National Forest office can confirm what applies to Williams Lake specifically. Most years, the lake is open year-round, but regulations can change.

Getting there and what to expect

From Taos, drive north on US 285 for about 15 miles, then turn east on Forest Road 3. Follow it for roughly 5 miles to the trailhead parking area. The road is gravel and passable in a standard vehicle in summer and fall, but can be rough after rain or snow. Check conditions with the Carson National Forest office before driving if the weather has been wet.

The trailhead has a small parking area with room for a handful of vehicles. On weekends in July and August, it can fill up. There are no facilities at the lake — no restrooms, no water, no shelter. Bring everything you need and plan to be self-sufficient.

The hike takes 45 minutes to an hour depending on your pace and fitness. The trail climbs steadily but is not steep, and the scenery — ponderosa pines, aspen, and mountain views — makes it pleasant. You will see other hikers and anglers, especially in summer, but the lake never feels crowded.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Williams Lake in winter?

The lake is technically fishable year-round, but winter access requires snowshoes or skis and a willingness to hike in deep snow. Most anglers do not make the trip. If you are interested, contact the Carson National Forest office in Taos for current snow conditions and trail status.

What size trout can I expect to catch?

Most trout at Williams Lake run 8 to 12 inches, with occasional fish to 14 or 15 inches. The lake is not known for large trout, but the fishing is consistent and the high-altitude setting makes even small fish worth the hike.

Do I need a guide to fish Williams Lake?

No. The lake is small, the hike is straightforward, and the fishing is accessible to anyone with basic skills. If you want local knowledge or instruction, guides in Taos offer trips to the lake, but it is not necessary.

What if the road to the trailhead is closed?

Call the Carson National Forest office in Taos before you drive. They can tell you whether Forest Road 3 is passable. If it is closed, you can sometimes hike in from an alternate trailhead, but it adds distance and difficulty.

Is there cell service at Williams Lake?

No. The lake is remote enough that cell phones do not work reliably. Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return, and bring a map and compass or GPS device if you are not familiar with the area.