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Fishing in New Mexico
New Mexico Fishing at a Glance
Looking for a place to go fishing all year round? Look no further than New Mexico! With an all-year season in most bodies of water, you can find panfish, trout, bass, catfish, northern pike and walleye in abundance. And if it’s winter, don’t forget that the desert southwest has amazing ice fishing opportunities as well.
Similar to most states, in New Mexico, you must have a valid license. These can be purchased online or at any sporting goods store and vary depending on whether you are a resident of the state. Non-residents typically pay $12 for a one-day fishing license; whereas annual licenses for residents cost $25 (check state links below for current pricing and details).
If you’re unsure of where to cast your rod in the Land of Enchantment, some popular public spots include the Rio Grande, Elephant Butte Lake, and Pecos River.
New Mexico ranks #27 in the U.S. for fishing licenses per capita and has a good number of local fishing enhtusiasts with over 10.66% of the population having fishing licenses.
Key Insights
- New Mexico is an all-year fishing state with abundant panfish, trout, bass, catfish, northern pike, and walleye.
- You need a valid fishing license in New Mexico, which can be purchased online or at a sporting goods store.
- Some popular fishing spots in New Mexico include the Rio Grande, Elephant Butte Lake, and Pecos River.
- New Mexico ranks #27 in the U.S. for fishing licenses per capita, with over 10.66% of the population having fishing licenses.
Table of Contents
Estimated Fishing Enthusiasts
| Population: | 2,117,522 |
|---|---|
| Fishing Enthusiasts | 225,770 |
| Fishing License % | 10.66% |
| Hunters Rank | 27 |
Land Types (Acres)
| Acres | % | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total | 77,673,600 | ||
| Public | 31,554,720 | 40.62% | 8 |
| Private | 38,596,280 | 49.69% | 44 |
| Tribal | 7,522,600 | 9.68% | 3 |
New Mexico Fishing Licenses & Requirements
For the most accurate and updated information on fishing licenses and requirements, it’s always a good idea to check the New Mexico DNR. We’ve provided their contact information and other helpful information for your convenience here.
New Mexico DNR
1 Wildlife Way
Santa Fe,, NM 87507
- (888) 248-6866
New Mexico has a diverse landscape, and its waters are no different. Home to a variety of fish species, the Land of Enchantment offers anglers plenty of opportunities to wet their lines. Trout, bass, catfish, crappie, and walleye are all common catches. Trout are prized for their tasty flesh and fighting ability, making them a popular target for both sport and commercial fishermen. Bass are another popular sportfish, and their abundance in New Mexico waters means that anglers have ample opportunities to hook a big one. Catfish are sought after by many anglers for their hearty flavor, and they can be found in both river and stream habitats. Crappie are also popular among anglers, as they provide good table fare and can be caught in large numbers. Finally, walleye are a favorite of many anglers due to their delicious flavor and willingness to bite. Whether you’re after trout,bass,catfish,crappie, or walleye, New Mexico’s rivers and streams offer ample opportunities to land a trophy fish.
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Fishing private land in New Mexico
Fishing on private land in New Mexico has some real advantages over public lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds *if you can get access. For instance, there’s nothing like having a quiet lake all to yourself and oftentimes there are simply more fish available to catch, because they haven’t been fished out. There are generally more processes for access private land for hunting than fishing, though some similar methods exist. For instance, you can sometimes join a fishing club in New Mexico or if you have the money, it may be possible to rent some private land for fishing. Another option is to knock on doors or work your contacts in an area to see if a landowner would let you fish for the day or possibly be open to a longer term arrangement.
Fortunately Wing It is simplifying land access for fishing, hunting, camping, and more. We’re adding new land every day and if we have some in your area, you’ll see some great options below.
1. The Rio Grande
2. The Pecos River
3. The San Juan River
4. The Gila River
5. The Jemez River
Fishing private land in New Mexico
Fishing on private land in New Mexico has some real advantages over public lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds *if you can get access. For instance, there’s nothing like having a quiet lake all to yourself and oftentimes there are simply more fish available to catch, because they haven’t been fished out. There are generally more processes for access private land for hunting than fishing, though some similar methods exist. For instance, you can sometimes join a fishing club in New Mexico or if you have the money, it may be possible to rent some private land for fishing. Another option is to knock on doors or work your contacts in an area to see if a landowner would let you fish for the day or possibly be open to a longer term arrangement.
Fortunately Wing It is simplifying land access for fishing, hunting, camping, and more. We’re adding new land every day and if we have some in your area, you’ll see some great options below.