New Mexico has some fantastic fishing, but the first thing you need to do before you go fishing in this beautiful state is to purchase a fishing license. To help make that process go as smoothly as possible, we prepared a comprehensive guide to New Mexico fishing licenses, including what type you need and how much they cost.
In the following guide to New Mexico Fishing Licenses, we’ll cover:
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Types of NM Fishing Licenses
New Mexico offers fishing licenses to both residents and non-residents, with several lengths and types available to suit destination fishing trips and visitors along with permanent residents.
New Mexico Resident Fishing License
- 1-Day Fishing.
- 5-Day Fishing.
- Annual Fishing.
- Junior Annual Fishing (12-17).
- Senior Annual Fishing (65-69).
- 70 Years and Older Annual.
New Mexico Non-Resident Fishing License
- 1-Day Fishing.
- 5-Day Fishing.
- Annual Fishing.
- Junior Annual Fishing (12-17).
You can see the complete list of licenses online at the New Mexico Department of Game & Fish website.
Cost of New Mexico Fishing Licenses
The New Mexico Department of Game & Fish is dedicated to promoting fishing to both residents and non-residents, as well as youth anglers. They have various permits available to anglers, with profits from licenses going back directly into improving fishing habitat, fish stocking, research, and studies, and ensuring that future generations of anglers in New Mexico can enjoy the same fishing opportunities we all enjoy today.
New Mexico Resident Fishing License
- 1-Day Fishing – $12.
- 5-Day Fishing – $24.
- Annual Fishing – $25.
- Junior Annual Fishing (12-17) – $5.
- Senior Annual Fishing (65-69) – $8.
- 70 Years and Older Annual – FREE.
New Mexico Non-Resident Fishing License
- 1-Day Fishing – $12.
- 5-Day Fishing – $24.
- Annual Fishing – $56.
- Junior Annual Fishing (12-17) – $15.
You can see the complete list of licenses online at the New Mexico Department of Game & Fish website.
Age Requirements for NM Fishing License
Anyone under the age of 12 can fish in New Mexico without a fishing permit. However, all New Mexico fishing regulations and laws, including bag, season, and size limits, still apply to youth anglers under the age of 12.
Anglers aged between 12 and 17 must purchase a youth angling license.
As part of supporting new anglers, New Mexico offers several free fishing days where residents and non-residents can fish on any public waters without a fishing license. The 2024 New Mexico free fishing days are the 28th and 29th of September. Please note: All fishing regulations, including season, size, and bag limits, still apply, along with open and closed waters.
Where to Obtain a NM Fishing License
New Mexico wants to make it as easy as possible for anglers to get out on the water and enjoy the fantastic fishing the state offers. To enable this, they offer several convenient ways to purchase a fishing license, including:
- Online through the New Mexico Department of Game & Fish online portal.
- In-person at any New Mexico Department of Game & Fish offices during regular business hours.
- In-person at one of the many licensed fishing agents located conveniently throughout the state.
Please note: Seasons, size, and bag limits are subject to change, so before you hit the water fishing in New Mexico, please check the regulations on the NMDGF website for any updates.
Complete Guide to New Mexico Fishing Licenses | Conclusion
By using the information above, including the different license types available in New Mexico, how much they cost, where to buy them, and all age requirements for young anglers, you’ll be all set to have a great fishing trip in this beautiful state.
When you purchase an angling license in New Mexico, the money raised goes directly back into supporting the fishery including habitat management and protection, research, stocking, and conservation. In this way, we’re not just following the law and regulations. We’re ensuring that our future generations of young and upcoming anglers can enjoy being outdoors with a rod in their hand just like we do.
Get your personalized fishing map
Answer a quick quiz and get your own personalized fishing map
The Fishbox App allows anglers to accurately track weather conditions and predict the best time to go fishing. Fishbox App utilizes in-depth analysis of weather patterns, fish behavior, and tidal and lunar conditions to predict the best times to go fishing.
If you have any questions about New Mexico fishing licenses or would like to learn more, please don’t hesitate to drop a comment below, and if you found it helpful, give it a share!
