Fishing in Valles Caldera

Jaramillo Creek is famous for gigantic brown trout.

NPS/Irene Owsley

The waters of Valles Caldera National Preserve provide some great fly fishing for beginners and experts. As the rivers meander through lush mountain meadows, they create pools and overhanging banks, which are home to thousands of wild brown trout. The views and quiet serenity are well worth the fishing trip.

To fish at Valles Caldera, anglers must have a valid New Mexico fishing license with HMAV stamp.

Vehicle Access

Those anglers who want to drive their personal vehicles into the backcountry to fish San Antonio Creek, Indios Creek, or Jaramillo Creek must obtain a backcountry vehicle pass for the day of their visit. Passes are limited and can be reserved at Recreation.gov. No backcountry vehicle pass is required to fish any streams accessed by foot, bike, or horse.

Fishing Rules

• All anglers are responsible for being familiar with New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF) fishing regulations and must have in their possession a valid NMDGF fishing license and a Habitat Management and Access Validation (HMAV) stamp. (Visit NMDGF website for exemptions based on age.)

• All waters within the Preserve fall under NMDGF's designation of "Special Trout Waters."

  • Only artificial flies and lures with single, barbless hooks are permitted.

  • The preserve bag limit is two trout.

• Live bait is prohibited to prevent the introduction of invasive species. No bait such as worms, grasshoppers, salmon eggs, corn etc.

• Recreational and sports anglers can help to prevent the spread of parasites by not transporting fish from one body of water to another, not disposing of fish bones or entrails in any body of water, and ensuring boots and shoes are clean before moving between different bodies of water.

• Remember, safety is your responsibility.

Details

Activity

Fly Fishing

Fishing at Valles Caldera National Preserve requires a valid New Mexico fishing license.

• All waters within the Preserve fall under NMDGF's designation of "Special Trout Waters."

  • Only artificial flies and lures with single, barbless hooks are permitted.

  • The preserve bag limit is two trout.

• Live bait is prohibited to prevent the introduction of invasive species. No bait such as worms, grasshoppers, salmon eggs, corn etc.

• Recreational and sports anglers can help to prevent the spread of parasites by not transporting fish from one body of water to another, not disposing of fish bones or entrails in any body of water, and ensuring boots and shoes are clean before moving between different bodies of water.

• To minimize the chance of the fatal whirling disease, waders and nets are prohibited. Additionally, the streams within the preserve are so small that waders are not needed, and the presence of people in the stream muddies up the waters downstream.

Pets Allowed

No

Pets are not permitted in the backcountry of the Preserve, which includes any land (including roads) beyond the Cabin District.

Activity Fee

Yes

As of January 1, 2025, a park entrance fee is required to enter Valles Caldera National Preserve.

Reservations

Yes

Vehicular access to Valles Caldera's backcountry route is limited to 40 public vehicles per day. Passes can be reserved on Recreation.gov up to 3 months in advance.

Season

Year Round

Time of Day

Day

Please check our Operating Hours & Seasons webpage for opening and closing times.

Accessibility Information

The fishing streams are currently not wheelchair accessible.