El Vado Reservoir

El Vado Reservoir is a man-made lake located in northern New Mexico, in the United States. It was created in 1965 by the construction of the El Vado Dam on the Rio Chama, a tributary of the Rio Grande. The reservoir covers an area of 3,200 acres and has a maximum depth of 204 feet. It is a popular destination for fishing, boating, camping, and hiking. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout, brown trout, kokanee salmon, and smallmouth bass, making it a great place for anglers. The El Vado Lake State Park is located on the western shore of the reservoir, offering camping sites, picnic areas, boat ramps, and hiking trails. The park has a visitor center with exhibits on the natural and cultural history of the area. El Vado Reservoir is also part of the San Juan-Chama Project, which diverts water from the San Juan River in Colorado to the Rio Grande in New Mexico. The project provides irrigation water for agriculture and municipal water for cities in New Mexico, including Albuquerque. Overall, El Vado Reservoir is a beautiful and diverse recreational area that attracts visitors from all over the region.