SANTA FE – Monastery Lake near the village of Pecos recently reopened to public access, following a closure of more than four months because of drought and extreme fire danger.

The lake has been freshly stocked with trout and is open for fishing. If you are planning a fishing trip this fall, the Department has several tools to help you. The Weekly Fishing Report provides up-to-date information on fishing conditions at numerous water bodies throughout the state. The Fishing Conditions and Trip Planner is full of figures depicting fishing conditions for several species and water bodies throughout the year. Additionally, the interactive Fishing Waters Map contains a wealth of information on fishing locations in New Mexico, displaying hundreds of fishing access points with information on fish species available, facilities, accessibility, boat ramps and general regulations.

Monastery Lake is leased by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish for public fishing from the Benedictine Monastery in Pecos through the Open Gate Program. More information on the Open Gate Program and the opportunities it provides to private landowners and public recreationists can be found on the Department’s website.