FishKillFlea New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF) manages the new mexico fishing license. The new mexico fishing license price is $25 for residents, but add-ons can push the total higher. The San Juan River is one of America's finest tailwater trout fisheries!
2025-2026 New Mexico Fishing License Price — Resident
The NM fishing license costs (source: NMDGF Official):
| License | Price | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Freshwater (18+) | $25.00 | Apr 1 – Mar 31 | Base license — all freshwater species |
| 7-Day | $15.00 | 7 days | Extended trip |
| 5-Day | $24.00 | 5 days | Both res & NR same price! |
| 1-Day | $12.00 | 1 day | Both res & NR same price |
| Youth 12-17 | $5.00 | Apr 1 – Mar 31 | Young angler |
| Senior 65-69 | $8.00 | Apr 1 – Mar 31 | Reduced |
| Senior 70+ | FREE | Permanent | Free annual license |
New Mexico Out of State Fishing License — Non-Resident
The new mexico out of state fishing license costs:
| License | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| NR Annual | $58.00 | Apr 1 – Mar 31 |
| NR 7-Day | $25.00 | 7 days |
| NR 5-Day | $24.00 | 5 days |
| NR 1-Day | $12.00 | 1 day |
| NR Youth 12-17 | $15.00 | Apr 1 – Mar 31 |
Add-On Fees
| Fee | Cost | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| HMAV (18+) | $4.00/year | Yes for 18+ | Habitat Management & Access Validation |
| Habitat Stamp | $10.00 | On USFS/BLM land | Required for fed lands fishing |
| Second-Rod Permit | $10.00 | Optional | Fish with 2 rods |
| Gila Trout Permit | FREE | Required for Gila trout | Select rivers only — free! |
| Vendor Fee | $1.00 | All purchases | Per transaction |
⚠️ License Year: New Mexico licenses run April 1 – March 31 (NOT calendar year).
Compare New Mexico With Neighboring States
| State | Res Annual | NR Annual | NR 1-Day | Senior Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | $37.00 | $97.00 | $16.00 | 65+ $10.00 |
| Arizona | $37.00 | $55.00 | $20.00 | Pioneer 70+ $5.00 |
| Texas | $30.00 | $58.00 | — | 65+ $12.00 |
| Oklahoma | $25.00 | $55.00 | $15.00 | 64+ $3.50 combo |
New Mexico at $25 base is competitive, but add-ons (HMAV $4, Habitat $10, vendor $1) can push the total to $40 — comparable to Colorado ($37). The unique Gila trout (free permit!) and San Juan River quality-water trout fishing make NM special.
FAQ
What is the total cost of a New Mexico fishing license?
Base $25 + $4 HMAV + $10 Habitat (if on fed lands) + $1 vendor = $40 typical total for a resident fishing on USFS/BLM land. Without the Habitat Stamp (private/state land): $30 total. See NM fishing spots.
What is the Gila trout permit?
The Gila trout is a rare native that was once endangered. NMDGF has recovered populations enough to allow limited fishing — a FREE permit is required and available online. See license types.