Kokanee Salmon Snagging in New Mexico: Your Ultimate Guide

If you’re an angler looking for an exciting adventure this fall and winter, New Mexico has something special in store for you—kokanee snagging! This thrilling fishing season runs from October 1st to December 31st and offers the chance to catch kokanee salmon in some of the state’s most picturesque waters. In this blog post, we’ll provide you with all the essential information you need to make the most of your kokanee snagging experience in New Mexico.

Where to Go Kokanee Snagging

During the kokanee snagging season, you’ll have several fantastic locations to choose from. Some of the prime spots include:

1. Eagle Nest Lake: This serene lake nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains offers excellent kokanee snagging opportunities. Be sure to explore the open waters while respecting the no wake zone and boat ramp area regulations.
2. Navajo Lake: Located in the northwest corner of the state, Navajo Lake is another hotspot for kokanee snagging. Its expansive waters provide ample room to cast your line and snag some kokanee.
3. Pine River: This tributary of the Animas River is known for its kokanee salmon runs. It’s a must-visit spot for anglers looking to enjoy the beauty of the Piedra Wilderness and some great snagging action.
4. El Vado Lake: Located on the Rio Chama, El Vado Lake offers anglers a chance to hook some kokanee. Remember to observe the seasonal regulations in this area.
5. Heron Lake: Nestled in the high desert of Rio Arriba County, Heron Lake, is a prime kokanee fishery. This man-made reservoir, created by the Heron Dam, is one of the most popular locations for kokanee fishing in New Mexico, and offers some excellent snagging.

Kokanee Snagging Regulations

It’s crucial to be aware of the specific regulations to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable kokanee snagging experience:

• Season Dates: The kokanee snagging season runs from October 1st to December 31st. However, it’s essential to check local regulations, as some lakes may have varying open and closed periods within this timeframe.
• Bag Limits: During the snagging season, the daily bag limit for kokanee salmon is 5 per day, with a possession limit of 10. Keep in mind that once you’ve reached your daily limit, your fishing for the day must come to a close.
• No Kokanee at Heron Lake and Willow Creek: Between October 1st and November 10th, kokanee snagging is not allowed at Heron Lake and Willow Creek. Make sure to plan your trips accordingly.
• Selective Snagging: Kokanee are the only fish species in New Mexico that you are permitted to snag, and only during the specified season. If you accidentally snag any other fish, be sure to release them promptly. Last time I was out snagging in New Mexico, a gentleman

Tips for a Successful Kokanee Snagging Trip

Now that you’re equipped with the essentials, here are some additional tips to make your kokanee snagging adventure a success:

1. Check the Latest Regulations: Always verify the most up-to-date fishing regulations for your chosen location before you head out. Regulations can change, so it’s essential to stay informed.
2. Gear Up: Make sure you have the right gear, including snagging hooks, appropriate tackle, and a valid fishing license. I include my list of go to snagging gear at the end of this article. Yes, it matters.
3. Be Respectful: Follow all posted rules and regulations at the lakes you visit, and respect the natural environment and fellow anglers.
4. Safety First: Though most snagging is done from the shore, remember to prioritize safety by wearing life jackets and adhering to any boating regulations in place. Also be careful with the big weighted hooks. Those can hurt.

With this comprehensive guide to kokanee snagging in New Mexico, you’re well-prepared to embark on an exciting fishing journey. Get ready to experience the thrill of catching kokanee salmon against the backdrop of the state’s stunning landscapes. Just be sure to double-check the specific rules for your chosen location and always fish responsibly. Happy snagging

The Gear You’ll Need for Kokanee Snagging

The gear for snagging is simple. You need a sturdy pole, stiffer than your usually kokanee pole, strong monofilament line, and the hook. That’s it. 

This was my first time out snagging, and my friend told me to bring a good, sturdy pole. I brought my catfishing pole and it worked great. Too much flex in a snagging pole can make your jerks less effective. As for the snagging line, I ran 20lb monofilament, and that seemed to be perfect.

The hooks were about as big around as a golf ball. They are big treble hooks that have a weight cast around the shaft of the hook itself. Because the hook and the weight are all one unit, it’s the only thing you’ll need. You’ll need several though. Because the kokanee are spawning along the rocks, you will certainly loose a few hooks. I’d recommend getting the hooks online. Shops around Navajo Lake sell out quick, or get pretty expensive. We ended up buying ours at a small fishing shop close to the lake, and the prices were a bit ridiculous. You’ll save money picking up your hooks before hand. 

Weighted Snagging Treble Hook

The Ethics of Snagging

Many states don’t allow for any snagging or foul hooking fish at all. If you accidentally do so, you’re required to release them, so I understand that there are mixed feelings about the ethics of snagging. If you’re big into fly fishing, you might not agree with my opinions, but all fishing methods have various levels of efficiency. Most of us would probably call fishing with dynamite unethical, and unless you’re a tree hugging hipster who thinks the fish donated the overpriced sashimi for your sushi, most of us don’t have a problem with the fly fisherman. The main goal is a responsible harvest, to preserve the resource, and still get good use from the natural resource. Snagging, if done responsibly, allows for both of these aims.

It’s important to note that snagging wasn’t like fishing in a barrel. Our group of 3 fished for about 5 hours on my last trip and we caught about 30 fish. That’s an average of 2 fish per person per hour. Some times were hotter than others, but we were never literally pulling them out, one after another. The snaggers around us reminisced about times that were like that, but every fisherman has probably experienced that fishing paradise once or twice in their life, regardless of the method used.

The biggest indicator is that kokanee snagging has been happening in the state for more than 20 years. It’s extremely popular, and the kokanee population has thrived with the practice. 

Lastly, the people out salmon snagging are there working to fill their food storage. There are some rigs that show up with campers and camp stoves and are pressure canning the kokanee as they’re being caught for their families to eat throughout the year. 

I went into the day curious to see if I would have any ethical concerns with snagging, but I can report that because of all those reasons, I had no ethical concerns at all. It was good, clean, fun, and I would love to go back to and do it again.