Bonito Lake, lake in New Mexico, United States of America
Bonito Lake is a reservoir in the Sacramento Mountains north of Ruidoso in New Mexico, serving mainly as a water source for the city of Alamogordo. The water is surrounded by forested slopes and supports rainbow trout populations in its cool mountain depths.
The lake suffered major damage from a severe wildfire in 2012, followed by floods that washed ash and debris into the reservoir. After more than ten years of repair work, the dam was restored and the lake refilled in 2023, followed by reopening for fishing in August 2024.
The name Bonito means beautiful in Spanish, reflecting how early visitors saw this place. Today the lake draws people seeking quiet moments by the water and a connection to the mountain landscape.
Visitors need a valid fishing license and can catch up to five trout daily. Access is available from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset, with fishing by rod and line only, and boats, kayaks, and swimming are not permitted.
The water stays cold year-round because of its high elevation, creating an ideal environment for trout. This natural feature makes it a preferred destination for anglers who focus on catching this fish.
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