TITLE 19 NATURAL RESOURCES AND WILDLIFE
CHAPTER 31 HUNTING
AND FISHING
PART 4 FISHERIES
19.31.4.1 ISSUING
AGENCY: New
Mexico Department of Game and Fish.
[19.31.4.1 NMAC - N, 04-01-2018]
19.31.4.2 SCOPE:
Sportfishing. Additional requirements may be found in
Chapter 17 NMSA 1978 and Chapters 30 through 34 of Title 19 NMAC.
[19.31.4.2 NMAC - N, 04-01-2018]
19.31.4.3 STATUTORY
AUTHORITY: 17-1-14
and 17-1-26, and 17-2-1 NMSA 1978, provide that the New Mexico state game
commission has the authority to establish rules and regulations that it may
deem necessary to carry out the purpose of Chapter 17 NMSA 1978 and all other
acts pertaining to protected species.
[19.31.4.3 NMAC - N, 04-01-2018]
19.31.4.4 DURATION: April
1, 2018 through March 31, 2022.
[19.31.4.4 NMAC - N, 04-01-2018]
19.31.4.5 EFFECTIVE
DATE: April
1, 2018, unless a later date is cited at the end of a section.
[19.31.4.5 NMAC - N, 04-01-2018]
19.31.4.6 OBJECTIVE: Establishing
open seasons, bag limits, and other rules pertaining to management and harvest
of the fisheries resources of New Mexico.
[19.31.4.6 NMAC - N, 04-01-2018]
19.31.4.7 DEFINITIONS: Specific
terms as used in this regulation are defined.
A. “Angling” shall mean taking or
attempting to take fish by hook and line, with the line held in the hand or
attached to a pole or rod or other device that is held in the hand or closely
attended
B. “Bait fish” is defined as those
nongame fish which are not otherwise protected by statute or regulation.
C. “Barbless lure or fly” shall
mean an artificial lure made of wood, metal, or hard plastic or an artificial
fly made from fur, feathers, other animal or man-made materials tied onto a
hook to resemble or simulate insects, bait fish, or other foods. A fly or lure
may only bear a single hook, from which any or all barbs must be removed or
bent completely closed, or which are manufactured without barbs. Living or dead
arthropods and annelids, or rubber or plastic moldings of these or other foods
are not included.
D. Boundary descriptions
(1) “U.S.”, as used in boundary
descriptions herein, shall mean United States highway.
(2) “N.M.”, as used in boundary descriptions herein, shall mean New Mexico
state road.
(3) “I”, as used in boundary descriptions
herein, shall mean interstate highway.
E. “Chum” as used herein, is
organic material that is not injurious to aquatic life and is used to attract
fish.
F. “Daylight hours” shall mean from
one-half hour before sunrise to sunset.
G. “Snagging” as used herein, is
the intentional taking of fish with hooks, gang hooks, or similar devices where
the fish is hooked in a part of the body other than the mouth.
[19.31.4.7 NMAC - N, 04-01-2018]
19.31.4.8 TROUT WATERS AND WARM WATERS:
A. Regular trout
waters: The following are designated
as regular trout waters: All streams, lakes and ponds within the following
described areas except licensed class A lakes and
lakes, ponds, and ranch tanks not fed by public waters and not open to public
fishing.
(1) Northern area: That portion of New Mexico bounded by a line
starting at the intersection of I-25 with the Colorado-New Mexico state line
and running south along I-25 to its junction with U.S. 64; thence, south and
west on U.S. 64 to its junction with N.M. 58 at Cimarron; thence, south and
east on N.M. 21 to its junction with I-25; thence, south, west, and southwest
on I-25 and U.S. 84-85 to its junction with U.S. 285-84 at Santa Fe; thence,
north on U.S. 285-84 to its intersection with N.M. 502; thence, west on N.M.
502 to the west bank of the Rio Grande; thence, southwesterly along the west
bank of the Rio Grande to its intersection with N.M. 44 at Bernalillo; thence,
north and west on N.M. 44 to its intersection with U.S. 550; thence, west on
U.S. 550 to the west bank of the Animas river; thence, north along the west
bank of the Animas river to the Colorado-New Mexico state line; thence, east
along the state line to its intersection with I-25. (Except the San Juan river from U.S. 64 bridge at Blanco downstream to N.M. 44
bridge at Bloomfield.)
(2) Ruidoso area: That portion of New Mexico bounded by a line
starting at the junction of U.S. 54 and N.M. 506 and running north on U.S. 54
to its intersection with U.S. 380 at Carrizozo; thence, east on U.S. 380 to its
junction with N.M. 246 at Capitan; thence, north and east on N.M. 246 to the
eastern boundary of the Lincoln national forest; thence, south to Tinnie; thence, west on U.S. 380 to Hondo; thence, south on
a north-south line to the junction of N.M. 24 and U.S. 82 north of Dunken; thence south and west on N.M. 24 to Piñon; thence,
south approximately one mile to N.M. 506; thence, west along N.M. 506 to its
junction with U.S. 54 at Paxton.
(3) Gila area: That portion of New Mexico bounded by a line
starting at the junction of U.S. l80 with the Arizona-New Mexico state line and
running north along the state line to its intersection with U.S. 60; thence,
east on U.S. 60 to its junction with N.M. 52 west of Magdalena; thence, south
on N.M. 52 to Winston and west along the road to Chloride and the eastern
boundary of the Gila national forest; thence, south along the forest boundary
to its intersection with N.M. 152 east of Kingston; thence, west on N.M. 152 to
its junction with U.S. 180 at Central; thence, west and northwest on U.S. 180
to its junction with the Arizona-New Mexico state line. (Except
Bear Canyon lake and Rancho Grande ponds.)
(4) in
Sandoval county: all of Las Huertas (Ellis creek);
(5) in San
Juan county: the Animas river from the 550 highway bridge in the city of Aztec
and downstream to its confluence with the San Juan river;
(6) in
Torrance county: all of Tajique creek;
(7) in
Cibola county: Bluewater creek;
(8) Pecos river from I-25 south to the southeast boundary of
Villanueva state park;
(9) the following lakes, ponds, and
reservoirs: Alice, Aztec pond, Bluewater, Blue Hole Park ponds, Chiuilla well, Clayton, lake Farmington, Jackson, Maloya, Maxwell lake 13, McGaffey, Manzano, and Ramah.
B. Winter trout waters: The following are designated as winter trout
waters from November 1 through March 31 of the effective years: Sumner lake
stilling basin (De Baca county); that portion of the Black river extending from
one mile upstream to one mile downstream of Higby
hole and located in Sections 8 and 9, T. 24 S., R. 28 E., N.M.P.M. (Eddy county);
that portion of the Pecos river from the southeast boundary of Villanueva state
park downstream to, but not including Santa Rosa lake (Guadalupe and San Miguel
counties); Rio Grande from Elephant Butte dam downstream to Caballo
lake (Sierra county); the following drains: Albuquerque, Atrisco,
Belen Riverside, Bernalillo, Corrales, Peralta, and Tome (Bernalillo, Sandoval,
and Valencia counties); and the following lakes: Alumni pond (Dona Ana county),
Bataan (Eddy county), Bear Canyon (Grant county), Bill Evans (Grant county),
Bosque Redondo (De Baca county), Bottomless lakes (Chavez county), Burn (Dona
Ana county), Carlsbad municipal (Eddy county), Carrizozo (Lincoln county),
Chaparral (Lea county), Conservancy park/Tingley
beach (Bernalillo county), Corona (Lincoln county), Dennis Chavez pond (Curry
county), Escondida (Socorro county), Eunice (Lea
county), Grants river walk pond (Cibola county), Greene Acres (Curry county),
Green Meadow (Lea county), ponds on Harry McAdams park (Lea county), Jal (Lea
county), Liam Knight pond (Sandoval county), Ned Houk
lakes (Curry county), Oasis park (Roosevelt county), Perch (Guadalupe county),
Rancho Grande ponds (Catron county), Roswell kids pond (Chavez county), Van
(Chavez county), and Young pond (Dona Ana county).
C. Warm waters: “Warm waters”, as used herein, shall include
all streams, lakes, and ponds except those designated as trout waters above, and except licensed class A lakes.
[19.31.4.8
NMAC - N, 04-01-2018]
19.31.4.9 SEASON
DATES:
A. General seasons: All trout and warm waters in New Mexico shall
be open for the taking of game fish from April 1 through March 31 of the
effective years, with the following exceptions:
(1) Special
waters
(a) The
following waters shall be open between 12 noon March 1 through 12 noon October
31: upper and lower Charette lakes, Maxwell lakes 13
and 14, and Clayton lake.
(b) All waters in the Valle Vidal (Vermejo tract of the Carson national forest) shall be open
from July 1 through December 31.
(c) Laguna
del Campo at Los Ojos trout hatchery shall be open
from May 1 through October 31.
(d) Red
River city ponds shall be open from March 1 through November 15.
(e) Black
Canyon creek in Grant county upstream from lower Black
Canyon campground and Mogollon creek in Grant and Catron
counties upstream from waterfall barrier near intersection of FS trail 153 to
confluence of Trail canyon
shall be open from July 1 through October 31.
(f) All
waters on the Valles Caldera national preserve shall be open from May 1 to
October 15.
(2) Waters
on national wildlife refuges waters on U.S. national wildlife refuges shall be
open for the taking of game fish in accordance with regulations of the U.S. fish
and wildlife service; provided that season dates shall be from April 1 through
March 31, on those national refuges for which the fish and wildlife service has
not regulated season dates.
B. Special Kokanee salmon seasons,
dates, and location:
(1) The
following waters shall be open October 1 through December 31 for the special Kokanee
salmon season: Abiquiu reservoir, Chama river from El
Vado lake upstream to the west boundary of the Rio
Chama wildlife and fishing area, Eagle Nest lake, El Vado
lake, and Navajo lake including the Pine river except as otherwise specified in
Paragraph (3) of Subsection B. of 19.31.4.9 NMAC.
(2) Heron lake shall be open for the special Kokanee salmon season from the
second Friday in November through December 31.
(3) Heron
lake, including the Willow creek tributary, and the buoyed “no wake” areas at
the Pine boat ramp and Sims mesa boat ramp at Navajo lake, including the
shoreline within the “no wake” areas, shall be closed to Kokanee salmon fishing
between October 1 and the second Thursday of November. If November 1 is a Friday,
then these waters shall be closed to Kokanee salmon fishing between October 1
and the first Thursday of November.
It shall be unlawful to fish for, snag, or possess Kokanee salmon in
these areas during the closure period.
[19.31.4.9 NMAC - N, 04-01-2018]
19.31.4.10 HOURS
OF FISHING:
A. Day
and night fishing for all species of game fish shall be permitted in all
waters during the open season, except Alto, Bonito, Butler street, and Eagle
Nest lake where fish may be taken or fished for only between the hours of 5
a.m. and 10 p.m.; and U.S. fish and wildlife service waterfowl refuges where
fish may be taken or fished for only during the hours posted at the refuge.
B. Laguna
del Campo located at Los Ojos trout hatchery, Red
River hatchery pond at the Red River state fish hatchery, Glenwood pond at the
Glenwood state fish hatchery, and waters within the Valle Vidal portion of the
Carson national forest shall be during daylight
hours only.
C. Fishing
at Ned Houk park lakes and Greene Acres shall be
during the hours posted by the city
of Clovis.
D. Fishing at Santa Cruz lake
shall be between the hours of 6 a.m. and
10 p.m.
E. Fishing
at Conservancy park/Tingley beach shall be only
between sunrise and sunset.
[19.31.4.10 NMAC - N, 04-01-2018]
19.31.4.11 DAILY BAG, POSSESSION LIMITS AND
REQUIREMENTS OR CONDITIONS:
A. Trout:
(1) Waters with reduced bag limit: No
person shall fish waters regulated for reduced limits while having in excess of
that limit in possession.
(2) Brown, rainbow, cutthroat, Gila,
lake, brook trout and Kokanee salmon:
(a) The daily bag limit shall be five trout
and no more than 10 trout shall be in possession, unless otherwise specified in
Paragraph (4) of Subsection A. of 19.31.4.11 NMAC.
(b) The
daily bag limit for cutthroat trout shall be two trout and no more than two
cutthroat trout may in possession. Cutthroat trout are included in the bag and
possession limits for trout explained in Subparagraph (a) of Paragraph (2) of
Subsection A. of 19.31.4.11 NMAC.
(c) The daily bag limit for lake trout
shall be two trout and no more than four lake trout shall be in possession.
Lake trout are included in the bag and possession limits for trout explained in
Subparagraph (a) of Paragraph (2) of Subsection A. of 19.31.4.11 NMAC.
(3) Special Kokanee salmon season: During
the special Kokanee salmon season, the daily bag limit shall be 12 Kokanee
salmon in addition to the daily bag limit for trout, and no more than 24 Kokanee
salmon may be possessed in addition to the possession limit for trout. It shall
be unlawful to possess Kokanee salmon at Heron lake
during the closed Kokanee salmon season.
(4) On certain waters the following
exceptions shall apply:
(a) Special trout waters - waters,
hereafter referred to as “Special Trout Waters”, the following exceptions shall
apply:
(i) No
fish may be kept or held in possession while fishing in the portions of the
following waters:
|
Water
name |
Portion |
County |
Exception |
|
Tingley beach south
pond |
Within
the Albuquerque conservancy park |
Bernalillo |
|
|
Mogollon
creek |
Upstream
from waterfall barrier near intersection of FS trail 153 to confluence of
Trail canyon |
Catron
and Grant |
|
|
Cimarron
river |
From
the lower end of Tolby campground downstream
approximately 1.4 miles to the first bridge of N.M. 64 |
Colfax |
|
|
Leandro
creek |
Within
the Valle Vidal (Vermejo tract-Carson national
forest |
Colfax |
bag
and possession limits for rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout are
unlimited |
|
Any
stream on the Valle Vidal |
Vermejo tract-Carson
national forest |
Colfax
and Taos |
|
|
Black
canyon |
From
the forest road 150 (North Star Mesa road) crossing to its headwaters |
Grant |
bag
and possession limits for rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout are
unlimited |
|
Pecos
river |
In
the Pecos wilderness, above Pecos falls |
Mora |
|
|
Rio
Valdez |
In
the Pecos wilderness from the waterfall barrier 0.8 miles below FS trail 239
upstream to its headwaters |
Mora |
|
|
Rito del Padre |
From fish migration barrier located about 0.3 miles upstream of
the confluence with the Rito Sebadilloses
upstream to its headwaters including Rito de los Chimayosos |
Mora |
bag
and possession limits for rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout are
unlimited |
|
West fork Luna creek |
From the Carson national forest property boundary upstream to
its headwaters |
Mora |
bag
and possession limits for rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout are
unlimited |
|
Jack’s
creek |
From
the water falls located 0.25 mile downstream of NM highway 63 crossing
upstream to its headwaters |
Mora
and San Miguel |
|
|
Canada
Tio Grande |
Within
the Carson national forest excluding private land |
Rio
Arriba |
bag
and possession limits for rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout are
unlimited |
|
Nabor creek and Nabor lake |
Within
the Edward Sargent wildlife area |
Rio
Arriba |
|
|
Rio
Chama |
From
the United States geological survey gaging station located 1.3 miles
downstream of El Vado lake dam downstream
approximately 3 miles to its confluence with the Rio Nutrias |
Rio
Arriba |
|
|
Rio
de Las Vacas |
From fish migration barrier located about 0.2 miles
upstream of FS road 70 crossing to its headwaters |
Rio
Arriba |
bag
and possession limits for rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout are
unlimited |
|
Tanques creek |
From
FS road 93 crossing upstream to its headwaters |
Rio
Arriba |
bag
and possession limits for rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout are
unlimited |
|
Rio
Cebolla |
From
the Seven Springs day use area upstream to the headwaters including McKinney
pond |
Rio
Arriba and Sandoval |
bag
and possession limits for rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout are
unlimited |
|
Rio Santa Barbara |
From the
west fork and middle fork confluence upstream to its headwaters including the
east fork |
Rio
Arriba and Taos |
bag
and possession limits for rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout are
unlimited |
|
San
Juan river |
From
Navajo dam downstream approximately 3.75 miles to the Crusher Hole day use
are (east side of section 16) |
San
Juan |
|
|
Capulin creek |
From
its confluence with the Rio Grande to its headwaters |
Sandoval |
|
|
Rio
las Animas |
Within
the Gila national forest, Black range ranger district excluding private land |
Sierra |
|
|
Cabresto
creek |
From
Cabresto canyon upstream to its headwaters not
including lake fork and Cabresto lake |
Taos |
bag
and possession limits for rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout are
unlimited |
|
Columbine
creek |
From
its confluence with the Red river upstream to its headwaters |
Taos |
bag
and possession limits for rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout are
unlimited |
|
Frijoles creek |
From its confluence with Rito de la
Olla upstream to its headwaters |
Taos |
bag
and possession limits for rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout are
unlimited |
|
Gavilan creek |
From
its confluence with the Rio Hondo upstream to its headwaters |
Taos |
bag
and possession limits for rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout are
unlimited |
|
Italianos
creek |
From
its confluence with the Rio Hondo upstream its headwaters |
Taos |
bag
and possession limits for rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout are
unlimited |
|
Palociento creek |
From its
confluence with Rito de la Olla upstream to its
headwaters |
Taos |
bag
and possession limits for rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout are
unlimited |
|
Rio
Costilla |
From
its confluence with Latir creek upstream
approximately 2.4 miles to the Valle Vidal tract of the Carson national
forest |
Taos |
|
|
South
fork Rio Hondo |
From
its confluence with the Rio Hondo upstream to its headwaters |
Taos |
bag
and possession limits for rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout are
unlimited |
|
Yerba
creek |
From
the its confluence with the Rio Hondo upstream to its headwaters |
Taos |
bag
and possession limits for rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout are
unlimited |
(ii) The daily bag
limit shall be two trout and no more than two trout shall be in possession
while fishing in the portions of the following waters. Anglers must stop fishing in those waters
when the daily bag limit is reached.
|
Water
name |
Portion |
County |
Exception |
|
Gilita creek and
tributaries |
From
its confluence with Snow creek upstream to its headwaters including Willow
and Little Turkey creek |
Catron |
bag
and possession limits for rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout are
unlimited |
|
Mineral
creek |
From
its confluence with San Francisco river to its headwaters |
Catron |
|
|
Whitewater
creek |
From
Catwalk National Recreation Trail parking area upstream to headwaters including
all tributaries |
Catron |
|
|
Shuree lakes |
Within
the Valle Vidal (Vermejo tract-Carson national
forest) |
Colfax |
|
|
Vermejo river and its
tributaries |
From
the Vermejo Park ranch boundary upstream to its
headwaters |
Colfax |
bag
and possession limits for rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout are
unlimited |
|
Rio
Ruidoso |
From
Fridenbloom drive upstream to the boundary between
the Mescalero Apache reservation and the city of Ruidoso |
Lincoln |
|
|
All
waters within or adjacent to the Edward Sargent wildlife area |
Including
the Rio Chamita, Sexton creek, and Rio Chama, excluding Nabor
creek and Nabor lake |
Rio
Arriba |
|
|
Rio
Chama |
Within
the boundaries of the Rio Chama wildlife and fishing area from Heron
reservoir outlet 2.9 miles upstream to Cottonwood Flats |
Rio
Arriba |
|
|
Rio
Chama |
From
the river crossing bridge on U.S. 84 at Abiquiu
upstream 7.0 miles to the base of Abiquiu dam |
Rio
Arriba |
|
|
Rio de Los Pinos |
From
FS road 284 and 87A, 2.5 miles upstream to the private property boundary |
Rio Arriba |
|
|
Pecos
river |
From
approximately 0.5 mile upstream of its confluence with the Mora river
(Mora-Pecos) upstream to approximately 0.2 miles downstream of the bridge
crossing at Cowles |
San
Miguel |
|
|
All
waters of the Valles Caldera national preserve |
|
Sandoval |
|
|
Rio
Guadalupe |
From
its confluence with Deer creek upstream 6.0 miles to Stable canyon |
Sandoval |
|
|
Rio
San Antonio |
From
the San Antonio hot springs pedestrian bridge upstream approximately 2.0
miles to the Valles Caldera National Preserve boundary |
Sandoval |
|
|
Red
River |
From
its confluence with Goose creek 1.1 miles upstream to the Carson national
forest boundary |
Taos |
|
|
Red
River |
From
its confluence with the Rio Grande upstream to the lower walking bridge at
Red River state fish hatchery |
Taos |
|
|
Rio Grande |
From
the New Mexico/Colorado state line downstream to the Taos junction bridge at
NM highway 567 |
Taos |
|
(b) On the following waters the bag limit
shall be four trout and no more than four trout shall be in possession; In
Bernalillo county: the central pond and designated kids
north pond at Conservancy park/Tingley beach.
(c) On the following waters the bag limit
shall be three trout and no more than three trout shall be in possession; In
Rio Arriba county: Laguna del Campo at Los Ojos trout hatchery; In Taos county:
the designated fish pond at Red River state fish hatchery; In Taos county: the
Red River city ponds; In Taos county: Goose lake; In Sierra county: Rio Grande
downstream of Elephant Butte dam.
B. Warm-water fishes: The daily bag limit for game fish other than
trout shall be as listed below and the possession limit shall be twice the
daily bag limit.
(1) striped bass one fish;
(2) largemouth,
smallmouth, and spotted bass five fish;
(3) walleye five
fish;
(4) crappie 20
fish;
(5) white bass
and white bass x striped bass hybrid 25 fish;
(6) northern
pike 10 fish;
(7) catfish (all
species, except bullheads) 15 fish;
(8) yellow
perch 30 fish;
(9) tiger muskie (Esox lucius x E. masquinongy)
one fish
(10) all
other warm-water game species 20 fish.
C. The following
exception shall apply:
(1) At Alto lake (Lincoln county); Alumni
pond (Dona Ana county); Bataan lake (Eddy county); Blue Hole park pond
(Guadalupe county); Bosque Redondo (De Baca county); Burn lake (Dona Ana
county); Carrizozo lake (Lincoln county); Chaparral lake (Lea county); Conoco
lake (Lea county); Conservancy park/Tingley beach
(Bernalillo county); Corona lake (Lincoln county); Dennis Chavez pond (Curry
county); Escondida lake (Socorro county); Estancia
Park lake (Torrance county); Eunice lake (Lea county); Grants city pond (Cibola
county); Green Meadow lake (Lea county); Greene Acres lake (Curry county);Jal
lake (Lea county); lake Van (Chaves county); Liam Knight pond (Sandoval county);
McGaffey lake (McKinley county); Ned Houk lakes (Curry county); Oasis state park (Roosevelt
county); Pecos River within the Villanueva state park (San Miguel county);
Perch lake (Guadalupe county); Rancho Grande ponds (Catron county); Roswell
kids pond (Chavez county); Timberon ponds (Otero
county); and Young pond (Dona Ana county): the daily bag limit for channel
catfish will be two fish and the possession limit shall be twice the daily bag
limit.
(2) In San Juan county,
in the San Juan and Animas rivers, not including Navajo lake, there is no daily
bag limit or possession limit for channel catfish and striped bass.
(3) In Colfax county,
Eagle Nest lake there is no bag or possession limit for northern pike. All
northern pike caught at Eagle Nest lake must be kept in possession. No northern
pike shall be intentionally returned to Eagle Nest lake.
(4) In
Union county: Clayton Lake; In Grant county: Bill
Evans lake; In Grant county: lake Roberts the daily bag limit for largemouth
bass shall be two fish and no more than two shall be in possession.
[19.31.4.11 NMAC - Rp,
19.31.4.11 NMAC, 12-12-2017; A, 4-1-2018]
19.31.4.12 SIZE LIMITS:
A. Black basses
(1) Any largemouth or spotted bass taken
which is less than 14 inches long shall be immediately returned to the water.
(2) Any smallmouth bass taken which is
less than 12 inches long shall be immediately returned to the water except at
Ute and Conchas reservoirs where any smallmouth bass
taken which is less than 14 inches long shall be immediately returned to the
water.
B. Walleye: Any
walleye taken which are less than 14 inches long shall be immediately returned
to the water.
C. Tiger muskie (Esox lucius x E. masquinongy): Any
tiger muskie taken which is less than 40 inches long
shall be immediately returned to the water.
[19.31.4.12
NMAC - N, 04-01-2018]
19.31.4.13 GILA TROUT PERMIT REQUIRED: Every person angling for fish on
those sections of the following waters must be in possession of a Gila trout
permit, issued in their name by the department or its designee. In Grant county: Black canyon upstream of its
confluence with the East fork Gila River and Sapillo
creek; In Catron county: West fork Gila river, Whitewater creek from Catwalk
National Recreation Trail parking area upstream to headwaters including all
tributaries, Mineral creek including all tributaries, and waters upstream from
the confluence of Gilita creek and Snow creek
including Gilita, Willow and Little Turkey creeks; In
Grant and Catron counties: the area from the Middle fork Gila river and West
fork Gila river confluence downstream to the East fork Gila river confluence
and Mogollon creek upstream from the waterfall barrier near intersection of FS
trail 153 to confluence of Trail canyon. A photocopy, duplicate copy or
computer printout of this permit will suffice as evidence of receiving such
permit.
[19.31.4.14 NMAC - N, 04-01-2018]
19.31.4.14 WATERS WITH AGE OR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES USE RESTRICTIONS:
A. Only persons 11 years of age and younger may fish in the following waters: Shuree kids' ponds on Valle Vidal (Vermejo
tract-Carson national forest); valley improvement association ponds at Belen,
Harris pond in Las Vegas, Spring river park in Roswell, and the Brood pond at
Seven Springs state fish hatchery.
B. Only persons 11 years of age and younger, those 65 years and older, and individuals
with disabilities may fish in the designated Red River hatchery pond
located at the Red River state fish hatchery, Blue Hole park pond (formerly
Santa Rosa seniors pond), Estancia park lake at Estancia, and in ponds located
in Harry McAdams park.
C. Only individuals with disabilities and those 11 years of
age and younger may fish in the posted small pond at Cowles.
D. Olympic pond: Only persons 11 years of age and younger and
those 65 years and older may fish in Olympic pond located at Angel Fire.
E. Laguna del Campo: Only persons 14 years of age and younger,
those 65 years and older, individuals with disabilities, or up to two
parents/guardians in direct supervision of a child or children 14 years of age
and under who are fishing, may fish in Laguna del Campo located near Los Ojos
trout hatchery.
F. Conservancy park/Tingley beach kids’ pond: Only persons 12 years of age and younger may
fish in Conservancy park/Tingley beach kids’ pond in
Albuquerque.
G. Red River city middle
kids' pond: Only individuals with
disabilities and those 12 years of age and younger may fish in Red River city
middle kids' pond.
[19.31.4.14 NMAC - N, 04-01-2018]
19.31.4.15 CLOSED WATERS:
A. Waters closed to fishing:
(1) In Catron county: Big Dry creek from Golden link cabin upstream
through its headwaters.
(2) In Catron county: Little creek from the “barrier” upstream
through all tributaries.
(3) In
Catron county: Spruce creek.
(4) In Catron and Sierra counties: Main Diamond creek above the point of confluence
with south Diamond creek.
(5) In Catron and Sierra counties: South Diamond creek drainage.
(6) In Colfax county: a posted area lying within 300 feet of Eagle
Nest dam, which is closed to entry.
(7) In Colfax county: a posted area of Stubblefield and Laguna Madre
lakes lying within 150 feet of the outlet structures.
(8) In Grant county: east fork of Mogollon creek upstream of Trail
canyon including Woodrow canyon.
(9) In Grant county: McKnight creek.
(10) In Grant county: Sheep Corral creek.
(11) In Lincoln county: Pinelodge creek and
posted areas of Alto reservoir and Bonito lake near
the outlets.
(12) In Catron county: All tributaries of the West fork of the Gila
river above waterfalls between FS Trail No. 151 crossing of the West fork of
the Gila river near White creek cabin and FS Trail No. 151 crossing of the West
fork of the Gila river near Liley canyon. Mainstem of the
West fork of the Gila river will be open to fishing.
(13) In Catron county: Iron creek in the Gila wilderness upstream of
the constructed waterfall barrier located in T12SR17WSec16NE.
(14) In Catron county: McKenna creek.
B. Taking fish from hatchery waters: It
is unlawful to take or attempt to take fish from the waters of any fish
hatchery or rearing ponds owned and operated by state or federal agencies.
During open season, however, angling for trout shall be permitted in the
Glenwood pond at the Glenwood state fish hatchery, Red River hatchery pond at
the Red River state fish hatchery, Brood pond at Seven Springs state fish
hatchery, and Laguna del Campo at Los Ojos state fish
hatchery. Additionally, the director may expressly authorize other limited
fishing at the state’s fish hatcheries based on management needs.
C. Taking fish from or through the ice: Fish may be taken from or through the ice
except it is unlawful to take fish from or through the ice on the following
waters: Santa Cruz lake, Monastery lake, Bonito lake,
and Springer lake.
[19.31.4.16 NMAC - N, 04-01-2018]
19.31.4.16 ESTABLISHING
FREE FISHING DAYS: The first Saturday in June and the last
Saturday in September during the effective dates of this regulation, are
established as free fishing days whereby anglers may fish public waters in New
Mexico as otherwise provided by regulation, but without benefit of a fishing
license or habitat improvement stamp.
[19.31.4.18 NMAC - N, 04-01-2018]
HISTORY OF 19.31.4 NMAC:
The material in this part was derived from
that previously filed with the State Records Center & Archives under:
Regulation No. 488, Establishing Open Seasons, Bag Limits, And Other Rules
Pertaining To Management And Harvest of The Fisheries Resources of New Mexico
1968-1969 License Year, April 1, 1968 Through March 31, 1969, filed 12-15-67;
Regulation No. 500, Concerning Method & Manner of Hunting, Taking,
Possessing, Disposing & Transporting of Game Animals, Birds, Fish Or
Bullfrogs, Or Parts Thereof, Taken In NM, filed 5-25-67; Regulation No. 525,
Concerning the Method And Manner of Hunting, Taking, Possessing, Disposing And
Transporting of Game Animals, Game Birds, Game Fish Or Bullfrogs, Or Parts
Thereof, Taken In New Mexico, filed 8-21-68; Regulation No. 499, Establishing
Open Seasons, Bag Limits And Other Rules Pertaining To Management And Harvest
of the Fisheries Resources of New Mexico 1969-1970 License Year, April 1, 1969
Through March 31, 1970, filed 12-10-68; Regulation No. 509, Establishing Open
Seasons, Bag Limits And Other Rules Pertaining To Management And Harvest of the
Fisheries Resources of New Mexico 1970-1971 License Year, April 1, 1970 Through
March 31, 1971, filed 12-8-69; Regulation No. 518, Establishing Open Seasons,
Bag Limits And Other Rules Pertaining To Management And Harvest of the
Fisheries Resources of New Mexico 1971-1972 License Year, April 1, 1971 Through
March 31, 1972, filed 1-14-71; Regulation No. 530, Establishing Open Seasons,
Bag Limits And Other Rules Pertaining To Management And Harvest of the
Fisheries Resources of New Mexico, 1972-1973 License Year, April 1, 1972
Through March 31, 1973, filed 1-11-72; Regulation No. 535, Establishing Open
Seasons, Bag Limits And Other Rules Pertaining To Management And Harvest of the
Fisheries Resources of New Mexico For the Period of April 1, 1972 Through March
31, 1973, filed 5-31-72; Regulation No. 550, Basic Regulation Governing Water
Pollution, Water Diversion, Animal Releases, Possession of Game, Manner of
Hunting And Fishing, And Use of Department Lands, Filed 5-31-72; Regulation No.
543, Establishing Open Seasons, Bag Limits And Other Rules Pertaining To
Management And Harvest of the Fisheries Resources of New Mexico For the Period
of April 1, 1973 Through March 31, 1974, filed 12-11-72; Regulation 552,
Establishing Open Seasons, Bag Limits, And Other Rules Pertaining To Management
And Harvest of the Fisheries Resources of Mexico For the Period April 1, 1974
Through March 31, 1975, filed 1-11-74; Regulation No. 562, Establishing Open
Seasons, Bag Limits, And Other Rules Pertaining To Management And Harvest of
the Fisheries Resources of New Mexico For the Period April 1, 1975 Through
March 31, 1976, filed 1-3-75; Regulation No. 571, Establishing Open Seasons,
Bag Limits, And Other Rules Pertaining To Management And Harvest of the
Fisheries Resources of New Mexico For the Period April 1, 1976 Through March
31, 1977, filed 2-10-76; Regulation No. 579, Establishing Open Seasons, Bag
Limits, And Other Rules Pertaining To Management And Harvest of the Fisheries
Resources of New Mexico For the Period of April 1, 1977, Through March 31,
1978, filed 9-21-76; Regulation No. 581, Establishing Rules Pertaining To
Management And Harvest of Commercial Fish Resources of New Mexico, filed
12-20-76; Regulation No. 586, Establishing Rules Pertaining To Management And
Harvest of Commercial Fish Resources of New Mexico, filed 5-24-77; Regulation
No. 589, Establishing Open Seasons, Bag Limits, And Other Rules Pertaining To
Management And Harvest of the Fisheries Resources of New Mexico For the Period
April 1, 1978, Through March 31, 1979, filed 10-5-77; Regulation No. 595,
Establishing Open Seasons, Bag Limits, And Other Rules Pertaining To Management
And Harvest of the Fisheries Resources of New Mexico For the Period April 1,
1979, Through March 31, 1980, filed 10-3-78; Regulation No. 602, Establishing
Open Seasons, Bag Limits, And Other Rules Pertaining To Management And Harvest
of the Fisheries Resources of New Mexico For the Period April 1, 1980, Through
March 31, 1981, filed 11-21-79; Regulation No. 607, Establishing Open Seasons,
Bag Limits, And Other Rules Pertaining To Management And Harvest of the
Fisheries Resources of New Mexico For the Period April 1, 1981, Through March
31, 1983, filed 10-22-80; Regulation No. 612, Basic Regulation Governing Water
Pollution, Water Diversion, Animal Releases, Possession of Game, Manner of
Hunting and Fishing, Use of Department Lands, Retention of Protected Species,
Permits and Licenses Issued, and the Hunter Safety Certificate Requirement,
filed 3-2-82; Regulation No. 619, Establishing Open Seasons, Bag Limits, And
Other Rules Pertaining To Management And Harvest of the Fisheries Resources of
New Mexico For the Period April 1, 1983, Through March 31, 1985, filed 12-8-82;
Regulation No. 632, Establishing Open Seasons, Bag Limits And Other Rules
Pertaining To Management And Harvest of the Fisheries Resources of New Mexico
For the Period of April 1, 1985, Through March 31, 1987, filed 11-28-84;
Regulation No. 647, Establishing Open Seasons, Bag Limits, And Other Rules
Pertaining To Management And Harvest of the Fisheries Resources of New Mexico
For the Period of April 1, 1987, Through March 31, 1989, filed 1-5-87;
Regulation No. 662, Establishing Open Seasons, Bag Limits, And Other Rules
Pertaining To Management And Harvest of the Fisheries Resources of New Mexico
For the Period of April 1, 1989, Through March 31, 1991, filed 12-19-88;
Regulation No. 677, Basic Regulation Governing Water Pollution, Possession of
Game, Permits and Licenses Issued, Retention and Importation of Protected
Species, Manner of Hunting and Fishing, Use of Department Lands, Hunter Training
Course Required, Hunting License Revocation, filed 6-25-90; Regulation No. 681,
Establishing Open Seasons, Bag Limits, And Other Rules Pertaining To Management
And Harvest of the Fisheries Resources of New Mexico For the Period of April 1,
1991, Through March 31, 1993, filed 1-11-91; Regulation No. 694, Establishing
Open Seasons, Bag Limits, And Other Rules Pertaining To Management And Harvest
of the Fisheries Resources of New Mexico For the Period of April 1, 1993,
Through March 31, 1995, filed 3-11-93
NMAC History:
19 NMAC 31.4, Hunting and Fishing
Regulations - Fisheries, 4-1-95.
19.31.4 NMAC, Hunting and Fishing
Regulations - Fisheries, 11-15-2000.
19.31.4 NMAC, Hunting and Fishing -
Fisheries, 4-15-2002.
19.31.4 NMAC, Hunting and Fishing -
Fisheries, 3-10-2010.
19.31.4 NMAC, Hunting and Fishing -
Fisheries, 12-30-2015.
19.31.4 NMAC, Hunting and Fishing -
Fisheries, 12-15-2016.
19.31.4 NMAC, Hunting and Fishing - Fisheries,
12-12-2017.
19.31.4 NMAC, Hunting and Fishing -
Fisheries, 04-01-2018.
History of Repealed Material: [RESERVED]