SANTA FE – Anglers can fish for free in New Mexico on Saturday, June 3, as the state celebrates National Boating and Fishing Week.
Anyone can fish for free in public fishing waters throughout the state Saturday, June 3, but everyone must observe bag limits and all other rules and regulations. For more information, please visit the Department’s website.
“This is a great time to take your family fishing and teach them a skill that will provide a lifetime of enjoyment,” said Mike Sloane, director for the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish.
For information on additional places to fish and what to use, consult the Department’s weekly fishing and stocking report and the Fishing Conditions and Trip Planner. Maps of public fishing waters, lists of where to find family-friendly fishing and tips on how to fish also can be found on the Department’s website.
The Department reminds anglers and outdoor recreationists to “know before you go” and to contact land management agencies regarding additional regulations or restrictions on specific properties of interest before heading afield.
Helpful links for planning your trip include:
Contact Jason Amaro to register for the camp. Those under 18 must me accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Contact Jason Amaro to register for the camp. Those under 18 must me accompanied by a parent or guardian.
The Department and our partners have completed the final stages of an over 40-year project restoring Rio Grande cutthroat trout, our state fish, to approximately 120 miles of stream, 10 lakes, and one reservoir near Costilla, New Mexico. This project ensures the long-term persistence of New Mexico’s state fish on the landscape in the face of our changing climate and will provide exceptional outdoor recreation for New Mexico anglers and tourism opportunities now and into the future.
On Saturday, July 1, 2023, we will be teaming up with our partners at the U.S. Forest Service, various non-profit organizations and area private landowners to host a “grand reveal” event to officially welcome the public to their improved recreation area. The event will begin at 10 a.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring speeches from project partners and elected officials to welcome attendees and media to the event and to share information about the project and its benefits.
Following this introduction, the Department will be stocking additional catchable-size Rio Grande cutthroat trout along the Rio Costilla and Comanche Creek to boost fishing opportunity for this event and the Fourth of July weekend. The partners will simultaneously host a youth and family angler-education expo at the adjacent Shuree Ponds. The expo will include youth angler education with live fishing, informational booths and exhibits running until 5 p.m.
The media is invited to attend this event. For media questions, please contact Darren Vaughan, communications director, at 505-476-8027 or by email at Darren.Vaughan@dgf.nm.gov. The general public is also encouraged to contact the NMDGF Information Center at 888-248-6866 with any questions.