Fishing

2025 Update: No Permit Required!

As of January 2025, fishing in Valles Caldera National Preserve no longer requires a Special Use Permit from the National Park Service. See information below for new requirements.

 

 

An angler casts into Jaramillo Creek at Valles Caldera.

NPS/Irene Owsley

As the rivers of Valles Caldera National Preserve meander through lush mountain meadows, they create miles of pools and overhanging banks that provide prime habitat for trout. The views and quiet serenity are well worth the fishing trip. Fishing in Valles Caldera can help support preservation of native species and restoration of natural ecosystems.

Fishing regulations in Valles Caldera National Preserve are structured to strongly support native fish conservation goals. Rio Grande cutthroat trout are the sole, native trout of the park and were the dominant fish species here prior to Anglo-European settlement. However, the abundance of these native fish has been reduced because of impacts by introduced nonnative fish, including brown and rainbow trout. These nonnative species continue to contribute to the decline in the park’s native fish population by competing for food and habitat, preying on native fish, and degrading the genetic integrity of native fish through hybridization.

To fish inside the park, you must have:

• a valid New Mexico Fishing License with HMAV stamp

• a backcountry vehicle pass (only if you wish to drive into the park's backcountry to fish)

 

Fishing Rules and Regulations

• 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
• All waters within the park fall under NMDGF's designation of "Special Trout Waters."
  • Only artificial flies and lures with single, barbless hooks are permitted.
  • The park bag limit is two trout.
• Live bait is prohibited to prevent the introduction of invasive species. No bait such as worms, grasshoppers, salmon eggs, or corn.
• Recreational and sports anglers can help prevent the spread of parasites:
  • Do not transport fish from one body of water to another
  • Do not disposing of fish bones or entrails in any body of water
  • Ensure boots and shoes are clean before moving between different bodies of water.
• To minimize the chance of the fatal whirling disease, waders or other footwear intended for wading are prohibited. Additionally, the streams within the park are so small that waders are not needed, and the presence of people in the stream muddies up the waters downstream.
• All nets must be sanitized prior to use in all waters within the park.

Remember, safety is your responsibility. Review information every visitor needs to know.

 

New Mexico Fishing License

Follow these steps to obtain and verify possession of a New Mexico Fishing License (valid April 1 through March 31).

1. Visit the New Mexico Game and Fish website
2. Fill out the required information by either applying online, calling the phone number listed, or visiting a license vendor

Remember, you need to have your New Mexico Fishing License on your person when fishing in Valles Caldera.

 

Vehicle Access

Those anglers who want to drive their personal vehicles into the backcountry to fish the San Antonio Creek, Rito de los Indios, or Jaramillo Creek must obtain a backcountry vehicle pass. Passes are limited and available on Recreation.gov.

No backcountry vehicle pass is required to fish any park waters accessed by foot, bike, or horse.

 

Year-Round Fishing

Fishing is permitted year-round as long as streams are not frozen. Please note that vehicle access to backcountry streams like San Antonio Creek and Jaramillo Creek is only available from May 15 - November 15 each year.

 

Fishing Outfitters and Guides

Valles Caldera National Preserve allows but does not provide outfitter or guide services. Only authorized outfitters or guides are permitted to conduct business within the park. To work with a guide, please visit our listing of permitted fishing guides.

To become authorized, outfitters and guides must first obtain a commercial use authorization through Valles Caldera National Preserve prior to conducting any business within the park.

 

Duration:

2 minutes, 52 seconds

Join Valles Caldera's wildlife crew for a day of electrofishing surveys on the East Fork Jemez River.