New Mexico Free Fishing Day (2026) — June 6 & San Juan River Spots

NM 2026 free fishing day. San Juan River 15K trout/mile, Elephant Butte 36K acres, Rio Grande Gorge, Eagle Nest.

New Mexico offers Free Fishing Day — try the new Mexico fishing license waters free!

2026 NM Free Fishing Day

DateTypeNotes
June 6, 2026 (Saturday)Free Fishing DayNo license, HMAV, or Habitat Stamp needed!

Best Spots

WaterRegionSpeciesWhy Go
San Juan River (Quality Waters)NW NM (Farmington)Rainbow, brown trout15,000+ trout/mile — world-class tailwater!
Elephant Butte LakeS Central NMBass, walleye, catfish36,000 acres — NM's largest lake
Rio Grande GorgeTaosBrown, rainbow trout800-ft deep gorge — stunning wild trout
Eagle Nest LakeN NMRainbow trout, kokanee, pikeHigh altitude (8,300 ft) — cool mountain lake
Pecos RiverSanta Fe areaBrown, rainbow troutScenic mountain stream — accessible

See all NM fishing spots. Annual is $25: where to buy.

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