Laguna Madres is a small shallow lake located on the Stubblefield Lake property.  It is private property with public access via an Open Gate agreement with the New Mexico Game and Fish.  While nearby Stubblefield Lake is sometimes popular with jet skiers and motor boat owners, the shallow depth and lack of a boat ramp make Laguna Madre undesirable for motorboats, meaning it should be perfectly fine for paddling.

To check the paddling suitability (accessability, water depth, etc.) of Laguna Madres, I decided to drop a kayak in and take a circuit around the lake. I’ve never seen a boat on this lake before.

Laguna Madres is generally shallow, some of it very shallow.  In fact it took quite a bit of inch-worming to get the kayak into water deep enough to float.

Paddling among the plants and branches added some interest.  The peace and quiet was much appreciated.  Vehicle access on the dirt road, and then a short boat carry to the lake, was no problem.  The views of the surrounding grassland and distant mountains are outstanding.