Photo : Forest Service - Northern Region, Public domain, Wikimedia Commons
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New Mexico
State, United States. Authority : New Mexico Department of Wildlife (NMDOW, formerly Department of Game and Fish).
2026 rules, checked on 23 September 2026.
- Licence
- US$90Nonresident Annual Fishing
- Next opening
- —
- Minimum sizes
- 101.6 cmTiger muskie
Useful gear for this area
Chosen from the species and size limits regulated in this area.
Responsible gearFish Unhooking Mat with 100 cm RulerTo check the minimum size: Muskellunge 101.6 cm here.
€48.90£24.90Not shipped to the United States
Finesse Soft Lures 12 cm, Pack of 15For : zander, walleye, european perch · soft plastic lure fishing
€30.90£16.90Not shipped to the United States
Waist-Mounted Lure BoxFor : brown trout, rainbow trout, european perch · fly fishing (dry fly and nymph)
€33.90£16.90Not shipped to the United States
Where to fish
© OpenStreetMap
2026 season calendar
Not published by the authority: check with New Mexico Department of Wildlife (NMDOW, formerly Department of Game and Fish).
Minimum sizes
| Species | Minimum size | 0–110 cm |
|---|---|---|
| Largemouth and spotted bass1 statewide | 35.6 cm | |
| Smallmouth bass1 statewide; 14 in. at Conchas and Ute reservoirs; no minimum in Rio Grande (Taos, Rio Arriba counties) | 30.5 cm | |
| Tiger muskie1 Bluewater and Quemado lakes only | 101.6 cm |
To check the minimum size: Muskellunge 101.6 cm here. Fish Unhooking Mat with 100 cm Ruler €48.90£24.90Not shipped to the United States
Bag limits
| Species | Fish you may keep |
|---|---|
| Black bass1 statewide; Trophy Bass Waters (Bill Evans, Clayton Lake, Lake Roberts) 2 per day, 14 in. | 5 per day |
| Walleye1 statewide; possession = twice daily bag | 5 per day |
| Northern pike1 statewide; no limit at Eagle Nest Lake (may not be returned) | 10 per day |
| Trout (brown, brook, rainbow, Gila) and kokanee1 10 in possession; max 2 lake trout and/or 2 cutthroat within the 5; Special Trout Waters differ | 5 per day |
Licence
| Licence | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Annual Fishing License1 | annual (April 1 - March 31) | US$35 |
| Resident Annual Fishing1 | annual (April 1 - March 31) | US$35 |
| Resident One-Day Fishing1 | 1-day | US$12 |
| Resident Five-Day Fishing1 | 5-day | US$30 |
| Resident Junior Annual Fishing (12-17)1 | annual | US$5 |
| Resident Senior Annual Fishing (65-69); 70+ free1 | annual | US$8 |
| Nonresident Annual Fishing1 | annual (April 1 - March 31) | US$90 |
| Nonresident One-Day Fishing1 | 1-day | US$12 |
| Nonresident Five-Day Fishing1 | 5-day | US$30 |
| Nonresident Junior Annual Fishing (12-17)1 | annual | US$20 |
| Habitat Stamp (required 12+ on USFS/BLM lands, see guide)1 | license year | US$10 |
| Habitat Management and Access Validation (HMAV, required 18+)1 | license year | US$4 |
Buy the licence on onlinesales.wildlife.state.nm.us
- Ages and exemptions1
- Licenses are not required for resident and nonresident anglers 11 years of age or younger. Junior licenses for ages 12-17; residents 65-69 senior license; residents 70+ free license (no Habitat Stamp or HMAV needed). HMAV not required for 17 and under.
Good to know
License year April 1 - March 31. Every angler also needs the HMAV ($4, 18+) and, where applicable, the Habitat Stamp ($10). Second Rod Validation $10. Special Trout Waters with reduced limits or catch-and-release; Trophy Bass Waters; Special Summer Catfish Waters (2 per day).
What the authority does not publish
Points we could not find in the official texts: check with the authority.
- no general statewide trout season found in the guide (closures are water-specific); not stated explicitly as year-round
- Habitat Stamp exact applicability (lands) not transcribed in detail
Rules change every year and can be amended during the season. Before fishing, check the text in force with the authority listed.
Where to fish
Fishing places listed in the official sources.
- San Juan River — Special Trout Water river
Rainbow trout, Brown trout View on the map - Rio Grande — Special Trout Water river
Rainbow trout, Brown trout View on the map - Red River — Special Trout Water river
Rainbow trout, Brown trout View on the map - Cimarron River — Special Trout Water river
Rainbow trout, Brown trout View on the map - Rio Chama — Special Trout Water river
Rainbow trout, Brown trout View on the map - Pecos River — Special Trout Water river
Rainbow trout, Brown trout View on the map - Rio Guadalupe — Special Trout Water river
Brown trout View on the map - Valle Vidal — Special Trout Water river View on the map
- Whitewater Creek — Special Trout Water river View on the map
- Rio Ruidoso — Special Trout Water river
Brown trout View on the map - Valles Caldera National Preserve streams — Special Trout Water river
Brown trout View on the map - Rio Costilla — Special Trout Water river
Brown trout, Brook trout View on the map - Bill Evans Lake lake, Grant County
Largemouth bass View on the map - Lake Roberts lake, Grant County
Largemouth bass View on the map - Clayton Lake lake, Union County
Largemouth bass View on the map
Frequently asked questions
How much is a fishing licence in New Mexico in 2026?
The “Nonresident Annual Fishing” licence costs US$90 (annual (April 1 - March 31)). Other options and prices are in the table above, with the official source.
What is the minimum size for muskellunge in New Mexico?
Muskellunge: 101.6 cm. Any smaller fish must be released immediately.
Official sources
- 2026-2027 New Mexico Fishing Rules and Information (NMDOW) (accessed on 23 September 2026)
- NMDOW - Licenses & Permits (accessed on 23 September 2026)
Last checked : 23 September 2026.