Petaca Tank

Petaca Tank is a reservoir in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico, and covers about 0.3 acres, reaches about 2 feet at its deepest point and holds roughly 0.4 acre-feet.

The small size of Petaca Tank makes quiet casts and short moves more useful than carrying a pile of tackle. With little deep water in Petaca Tank, weeds, wind, and water color can matter more than depth alone.

Fish and Baits

For a first pass on Petaca Tank, the fish mix here is not confirmed, so check fresh local information before choosing a target or keeping a catch.

To begin fishing Petaca Tank, begin with one slow bottom presentation and one moving bait, then let bites show whether fish are holding close to cover or roaming open water.

How to Read the Water

The early check on Petaca Tank should stay simple: make one shallow pass and one deeper pass on the same shoreline; that shows whether fish are tight to cover or using the first break.

Season by Season

While fishing Petaca Tank, spring runoff can add color and pull fish toward fresh water; green weeds and the first drop become stronger summer targets; in fall, follow bait toward points and shallow flats, while winter rewards a slower search.

A Simple Tackle Plan

For a short trip to Petaca Tank, a medium spinning rod, 8-pound line, a small box of jigs, a few crankbaits, and a simple bottom rig cover most situations; change depth or speed before changing every piece of tackle.

Before changing spots on Petaca Tank, record the wind, water color, productive depth, and cover after a bite; those four notes are more useful on the next trip than a long list of spots that did not produce.