Did you know in New Mexico you may not fish in any Class A lake without written consent from the owner? Well you’re not the only one, I mean a class A lake, what does that even mean? If you’re interested in hearing some actually important regulations I have provided them for you in this article.

New Mexico Fishing Regulations

The State of New Mexico states:

  • You may not fish on private land unless you have valid written permission from the landowner
  • You may not fish with more than one rod without a second fishing rod validation if 12 years of age or older
  • You may not sell, offer to sell, or buy game fish or parts from New Mexico
  • You may not have or move any live game fish away from the water where they were caught
  • You may not catch game fish by net, seine, trap, grappling or other ways unless permitted too
  • You may not operate mechanical or electrical devices capable of catching or killing game fish
  • You may not take game fish by snagging, unless it’s kokanee salmon during Special Kokanee Snagging Season
  • You may not fish in any Class A lake without written consent from the owner
  • You may not fish with more than two flies on one line when fishing the Special Trout Water of the San Juan River
  • You must return and release immediately all threatened and endangered species of fish, except Gila trout, in designated waters
  • You may not possess or use any baitfish while fishing (there are some exceptions)
  • You may take minnows using the following methods: angling, dip nets, cast nets, traps and seines
  • If you take a protected species of fish (including endangered and threatened species) with seines, nets, and traps they must immediately be returned to the water

Fishing License Period

New Mexico fishing licenses are available as:

  • Daily fishing licenses
  • Annual fishing licenses
  • Lifetime fishing licenses

Extra Licensing Fees

  • New Mexico requires that you purchase a habitat stamp to fish on U.S. Forest Service and BLM lands
  • If you would like to fish with two rods, you must purchase a second rod validation
  • If you are going to be fishing for Gila trout you must have a Gila trout fishing permit (required but provided at no cost)

Free or Reduced Fee New Mexico Fishing Licenses

The State of New Mexico offers free fishing licenses or reduced fishing licenses for :

  • New Mexico residents who are active military
  • New Mexico residents who are veterans
  • New Mexico residents who are disabled veterans
  • New Mexico residents or non-residents who are in military rehabilitation
  • New Mexico residents or non-residents who are handicapped
  • New Mexico residents who are 65-69 years of age (discounted license)
  • New Mexico residents who are 70 years of age or older (free license)

New Mexico Fishing Licenses Are NOT Required For

If you fall into any of the below categories you’re in luck, because you aren’t required to have a fishing license:

  • New Mexico residents or non-residents who are under 12 years of age

Buy a New Mexico Fishing License