Photo credit
Fly fishing Meadow Creek in the Scapegoat Wilderness, Montana. Photo: Brandan W. Schulze, US Forest Service, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
New Mexico fishing license
You need one to fish in New Mexico. Buy it from New Mexico Department of Wildlife (Game and Fish).
Where to buy it
Online from New Mexico Department of Wildlife (Game and Fish). Many fly shops and sporting goods stores sell them too.
Buy a license on the New Mexico Department of Wildlife (Game and Fish) website (opens in a new tab)
Where this link comes from
The agency's license store, opened Nov 8, 2026.
Before you go
| License | Price | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Resident annual fishing license | $35.00 | Agency page (opens in a new tab) Nov 8, 2026 |
| Non-resident annual fishing license | $90.00 | Agency page (opens in a new tab) Nov 8, 2026 |
| Non-resident 1-day license | $12.00 | Agency page (opens in a new tab) Nov 8, 2026 |
Free fishing days
- Free fishing days: June 6-7 (New Mexico Free Fishing Day), September 26-27 (National Hunting and Fishing Day) Source (opens in a new tab) (Nov 8, 2026)
Who needs one
- No license needed under 12 Source (opens in a new tab) (Nov 8, 2026)
Extra permits
- Habitat Management & Access Validation (HMAV); plus Habitat Stamp on USFS/BLM lands: needed for all anglers 18+ (HMAV); anglers 12+ on Forest Service/BLM lands (Habitat Stamp) Source (opens in a new tab) (Nov 8, 2026)
- Carry it while you fish, on paper or on your phone if the state allows.
- Fishing for trout? Some states also need a trout stamp or permit; the agency's page says.
- Read the special regulations for the water you pick: seasons, lures and limits can differ.
- Veteran or service member? New Mexico concessions, quoted from the agency.