grindstone lake

aarong935

I had high hopes staying a week here to fish the local area. I was surprised exactly how low the water level was leaving a muddy mess around the "shores". Bring rubber boots and wear clothes you don't mind getting horribly messy. Also, the smell down there was strong, but nothing abnormal for being near the bottom of the lake. Caught an 8" trout and green power bait and had a few other bites. But, even with a little activity in an hour, the kids and dog were covered in mud and I couldn't stand the conditions and we had to leave. Waiting until the level goes up, or be ready for the mess.

machp

Our grandchildren love to hike around this lake as well as to fish there. It is very family friendly. It is a small lake area so you can see the children if they are hiking while you fish. There are not places to sit so you need to take chairs and everything that you will need.

lfredregill

Indeed, the water level is AMAZINGLY low. Even on a very cold morning, some folks were out fishing. The ducks apparently are not used to being fed and swim away from people immediately. A relatively easy 2-3 mile stroll around the lake, and very near to down-town Ruidoso. Nothing remarkable about the views.

One_Love11

It's beautiful and peaceful. A handful of people were fishing. We watched couples fishing together, sitting in their lawn chairs with lines out in the water waiting for their next big bite. You don't have to be a hiker to enjoy this beautiful site.

Dollc

This is a very nice lake. Beautiful view of the mountains. Apparently the fishing is good as there were several people fishing. No swimming or boating, however.

debavaAmarilloTX

Grindstone Lake is not a lake. More like a big pond now. It may be recovering - (I would have hated to have seen it earlier) - when they had the fires 2 years ago they used the water from here to put out the fires - but right now - it is nothing to see. Also - saw a sign, no swimming. I understand that for now - but is that in place when the lake fills back up??

EMT40SW

It kind of low. Not what it used to be. You would find better fishing & views at Bonito Lake 20 miles away.

New Mexico Writer

The lake is starting to recover nicely from the fires a couple of years ago. The levels are rising due to an astonishingly wet Summer. There is a Frisbee/discus golf course there now that is always being used and seems really fun.

JimOCotodeCaza_Ca

Recently was advised to take the hiking trail around this lake. While the trails were nice the water level in the lake was so low that you would not know that it was a lake...........more like a small pond. Then I found out that the lake had been drained to repaid a leak in the dam. Do not know the completion date.

trailrunner87511

Well-maintained trails that are also well-marked. Lots of wildflowers in September. Lake was low because of some maintenance, but fishermen were catching catfish and trout.

ReneV562

Great place to go hiking; fishing is average or below. I have caught only one trout within the last 3 months since we moved here in June 2014.

71willier

Found a great spot! Everyone was catching fish around the lake but our spot was producting the most.

109arleenh

Our 6th year in Ruidoso. Usually we drive pretty far to hike. Decided to stay near downtown & our hotel this year because it always rains by the time we get to the trails. Perfect intermediate trails of varied length. Lots of shade too. Saw an elk on the trail=bonus!

ShawnW753

There's a mountain bike trail that starts at the top parking lot. I did the main 7 mile loop and loved it. It was a good trail and the scenery was great. Saw deer and elk tracks, and there were many great view of the lake.While I rode, my wife, her friend, and our 5 yr old son messed around the lake. When I got back, my son and I fished for about an hour. He did catch two trout, around 6 inches long, on a bobber and fly. I would recommend to anyone with kids, who has a few extra hours. There are also hiking trails along the lake.

TJO47185

Grindstone Lake is a beautiful lake. You can go fishing and canoeing. It's great just to sit on the banks and look at the beautiful surroundings. We live in a beautiful place. Ruidoso is an oasis in the desert with beautiful sunrises and sunsets. You just have to see it for yourself!