Lake Maloya and Lake Alice at Sugarite Canyon State Park Open to Ice Fishing

Raton, NM – Sugarite Canyon State Park will open to ice fishing on Friday, January 25, 2019.
Recent cold weather has increased the lakes’ ice depths to minimum standards, New Mexico State
Parks officials announced.
State officials remind you that you take a risk anytime you go out onto the ice. Consider the
following precautions:
• The use of ATVs on the ice is strictly prohibited.
• Lifejackets Save Lives. Always wear a lifejacket (personal flotation device).
• Don’t fish alone. Before you leave shore, inform someone of your destination and your expected
time of return.
• Be aware of and prepared for weather conditions. Dress in layers and wear thermal underwear,
fleece or wool, and wind and waterproof outerwear, especially for feet, hands and head. Take extra
clothes, food, water, etc.
• Be prepared for emergencies. Carry equipment such as ice picks or awls, rope, and cellular
phones. Pack a first-aid kit and matches or other sources for starting a fire.
• Keep fishing holes small and few. When drilling fishing holes with an ice auger, keep the diameter
under eight inches. Bigger holes are not necessary to land fish and can create a safety hazard for
others.
• Watch your step. Avoid ice fishing near feeder streams or known springs; brush, logs, plants or
docks; multiple ice cracks or ice that is popping or otherwise audible; and dark-colored ice that may
be weak. Ice spikes are recommended for self-rescue.
• Spread out. Too many people congregated in one area may be more than the ice can safely
support. Disperse weight and fishing holes.
For more information and current updates about the lake’s ice conditions, please contact Sugarite
Canyon State Park, (575) 445-5607. Information also is available on the New Mexico State Park
website, www.nmparks.com.