Fishing

From pristine high-mountain lakes and streams to large reservoirs and lazy meandering rivers, New Mexico’s waters provide some of the best fishing in the Southwest.

The Department of Game and Fish is committed to maintaining the quality of the state’s fisheries, improving fish habitat and restoring native sport fishes, while also providing outstanding recreational angling opportunities for the public.

Anglers can find a variety of warm-water species, including largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, white bass, catfish, bluegills, perch and pike in lakes and reservoirs; as well as a variety of trout species in lakes, rivers and streams throughout the state.

We raise and stock more than 2 million fish each year to provide recreational fishing in many of the state’s popular waters. Successful reintroduction and stocking efforts also have increased fishing opportunities for native Rio Grande cutthroats, Gila trout, Kokanee salmon and tiger muskie.

Angler Education Fishing Clinics offer basic fishing-skills clinics for school kids, families, community and civic groups.

Check back often for fishing and stocking reports, rules and information, and public fishing water maps and more.

Need a license? Licenses are available online (click here), by phone 888-248-6866, or license vendors.Print from your NMDGF account or request a mail or email copy from 888-248-6866, a vendor, or ispa@state.nm.us.