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Fishing access is restricted to foot traffic; motor vehicles are not permitted on the ice at this time. Ice thickness measurements taken by the New Mexico State Parks Division have met requirements for walk-in access to the lake according to criteria established by the Department of Game and Fish and State Parks.

The State Parks Division has a formal procedure for checking the depth of ice. The ice thickness is measured starting at the shoreline and progressing out over the lake. When the ice is of a thickness and quality that is considered safe, the lake is opened to ice fishing. Park staff continually makes visual checks of the ice looking for cracks, water on top of the ice and open water, all signs that the ice may not be safe for anglers.

For more information and current updates about ice conditions, please contact Eagle Nest Lake State Park, (575) 377-1594. For questions about fishing in northeastern New Mexico, call the Department of Game and Fish in Raton, (575) 445-2311. Information also is available on the Department of Game and Fish or New Mexico State Parks respective websites, www.wildlife.state.nm.us and www.nmparks.com.