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Fishing regulations at Santa Cruz River, NM
Disclaimer: Always check local fishing regulations, water access rights and land ownership before fishing, regardless of any catches logged in that area by the Fishbrain community. Fishbrain has mapped millions of acres of government-owned land across the USA to help you identify potential fishing access, but you are responsible for ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.
Fishing regulations in New Mexico can change throughout the year. Make sure to check this page before fishing for the most up to date rules and regulations for the current season. Local regulations govern when you can fish, the max size of the fish you can keep, how many fish you can keep, and more.
Regulations for top species
Brown trout
The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.
The maximum number of individual fish across an aggregate group of species legally harvested per harvester per day.
Snagging
Harvest of this species by snagging (snatch hooking) is prohibited.
NM Mechanical or Electrical Devices
It is illegal to use mechanical or electrical devices capable of catching or killing game fish, except as permitted by regulation.
NM Bow fishing and Spear fishing
Bow fishing and spearfishing are legal means of take for game fish species and unprotected species in lakes and reservoirs open to angling. Bag and size limits for bow fishing and spearfishing are the same as angling. Bow fishing and spearfishing for game fish are not allowed in any river, stream, Special Trout Water or Trophy Bass Water (for largemouth bass). Arrows for bow fishing must be attached by a line, string or rope to enable retrieval of fish. Crossbows can be used for bow fishing. Legal means of take for spearfishing include spears, arrows with barbs and gigs. Spears can be discharged above or below the water surface. Local ordinances and/or prohibitions may apply at specific locations or waters, and the local managing agency should be contacted prior to bow fishing or spearfishing. Snorkelers and SCUBA divers should consult New Mexico State Park regulations prior to spearfishing.
NM Trotline Restriction
A trotline (throw line, limb line, set line, jug line, or "Yo-yo" line) is a line without a rod or reel attached. It does not need to be handheld nor closely attended. Trotlines are limited to 25 hooks. Trotlines belonging to two or more people may not be joined or tied together. Anglers may not fish with more than one trotline. Anglers may not check, pull up, or tamper with the trotline of another person. Any person using a trotline must attend it personally at least once every calendar day and remove or release all game fish that are caught.A person fishing with a trotline must attach an identification tag that is visible above the water line. The identification tag must list the angler's Customer Identification Number (CIN). Anglers 11 years of age and younger must list their Customer Identification Number (CIN) or their name and date of birth on the identification tag.Trotlines may be used to take game fish only in the river reaches and lakes listed by drainage:Rio Grande DrainageRiversRio Grande mainstem from its confluence with the Chama River downstream to New Mexico/Texas state line and Chama River mainstem from the northern boundary of the Monastery of LakesChrist in the Desert downstream to Abiquiu LakeAbiquiu Lake, Cochiti Lake, Elephant Butte Lake, and Caballo LakePecos River DrainageRiversPecos River mainstem downstream of I-25 (excluding Villanueva State Park) to the New Mexico/Texas state line and all tributaries within Chavez, De Baca, Eddy, Guadalupe, and San Miguel (downstream of I-25) CountiesLakesSanta Rosa Lake, Sumner Lake, Lake Avalon, Brantley Lake, Six Mile Lake, Ten Mile Reservoir, and Red Bluff ReservoirCanadian River DrainageRiversCanadian River mainstem and all tributaries downstream and east of I-25 to the New Mexico/ Texas state lineLakesStubblefield Lake, Laguna Madre, Maxwell Lake 14, Springer Lake, Conchas Lake, and Ute LakeSan Juan River DrainageRiversSan Juan River mainstem from U.S. 64 bridge at Blanco downstream to the Navajo Nation boundary at the Hogback canal diversionLakesNavajo LakeGila River and San Francisco River DrainageRiversGila River mainstem from its confluence with the east fork downstream to the New Mexico/Arizona state line and San Francisco River mainstem from U.S. 180 bridge at Alma downstream to the New Mexico/Arizona state lineLakesNone
NM Bait and Baitfish
Possession of and use of any baitfish while fishing is illegal, except as defined below. Baitfish may not be used in Special Trout Waters, Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge or Bottomless Lakes State Park. Bluegills and sunfish (genus Lepomis) taken legally by angling may be used as live or dead bait in the water where taken.Commercially packaged and processed dead fish are not considered baitfish and are approved for use in all waters where the use of bait is legal. Roe, viscera, and eyes of game fish taken legally may be used in all waters where the use of bait is legal. Chumming is allowed in all waters, except Special Trout Waters. Goldfish or bullfrogs (including larval stages, i.e. tadpoles) may not be used as live or dead bait in any waters. Salamander larva (waterdogs) may be used in all waters where the use of bait is legal.Approved live and/or dead baitfish locations:Rio Grande Drainage: Fathead minnow, red shiner and shadElephant Butte and Caballo reservoirs: Fathead minnow, red shiner, shad and golden shinerCanadian River Drainage: Fathead minnow, red shiner, white sucker and shadSan Juan River Drainage: Fathead minnow and red shinerGila River and San Francisco River Drainages: Fathead minnow onlyPecos River Drainage (excluding Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge and Bottomless Lakes State Park): Fathead minnow and red shinerApproved dead-only baitfish (cutbait) locationsStatewide: Common carpHeron Reservoir: White suckerBaitfish may only be taken for personal use and only by anglers who are currently licensed or 11 years of age or younger. Permitted methods for taking minnows include: angling, dip nets, cast nets, traps and seines. Seines may not be longer than 20 feet, and the mesh size may not be larger than 3/8-inch square. All protected species of fish (including endangered and threatened species) taken with seines, nets, and traps must immediately be returned to the water.
Bag limit of 5 fish is considered any combination of trout and/or salmon with the exception that no more than 2 lake trout and/or 2 cutthroat trout may be included in the limit.
https://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/fishing/game-fish/cold-water-regulations-2/
Trout bag is 3 trout at Laguna del Campo.
https://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/fishing/game-fish/cold-water-regulations-2/
Special Trout Waters Apply to the following waters:
General Rules for Special Trout Waters (STW): Many STWs require artificial flies and lures with a single, barbless hook. It is illegal to disturb rocks, plants, or sediment to attract fish. Chumming
and baitfish use are not allowed in any STW. The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish has established three designations for STWs: Red Chile Water, Green Chile Water and Xmas Chile Water.
Trout water areas are displayed on the New Mexico Fishing Waters map. For additional information please see: https://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/fishing/game-fish/cold-water-regulations-2/
Red Chile Waters: Catch and Release Only. Artificial fly or lure with a single barbless hook.
- Capulin Creek from the confluence with the Rio Grande to its headwaters.
- Cimarron River from the east end of Tolby Campground downstream 1.4 miles to the first U.S. Highway 64 bridge.
- Jack's Creek from the waterfalls located 0.25 miles downstream of N.M. Highway 63 crossing upstream to its headwaters.
- Mogollon Creek from barrier at waterfalls near U.S. Forest Service Trail 153 upstream to confluence of Trail Canyon. Open from July 1–October 31.
- Nabor Creek and Nabor Lake on the Sargent Wildlife Management Area.
- Pecos River in the Pecos Wilderness above Pecos Falls.
- Rio Chama from USGS gaging station located below Cooper's Landing to the Rio Nutrias confluence.
- Rio Costilla from its confluence with Latir Creek upstream 2.4 miles to the Valle Vidal boundary.
- Rio Las Animas within Gila National Forest, Black Range District.
- Rio Valdez in the Pecos Wilderness from the waterfall barrier 0.8 miles below FS Trail 239 upstream to its headwaters.
- San Juan River from Navajo Dam downstream 3.75 miles to the Crusher Hole Day Use Area. It is illegal to fish with more than 2 flies or lures on a single line when fishing the Special Trout Water of the San Juan River.
- Tingley Beach South Pond within the Albuquerque Conservancy Park. Valle Vidal All streams. Open July 1–December 31.
Red Chile Water with Native Trout Conservation: Catch-and-release only for Rio Grande cutthroat trout and Gila trout Bag limit unlimited for rainbow trout, brown trout and brook trout. Artificial fly or lure with a single barbless hook.
- Black Canyon upstream from waterfall barrier at Black Canyon Campground. Open July 1–October 31. Cabresto Creek upstream from Cabresto Canyon to headwaters, not including Lake Fork or Cabresto Lake.
- Canada Tio Grande within the Carson National Forest, excluding private land.
- Columbine Creek from its confluence with the Red River upstream to its headwaters.
- Frijoles Creek (Taos County) from its confluence with Rito de la Olla upstream to its headwaters.
- Gavilan Creek from its confluence with the Rio Hondo upstream to its headwaters.
- Italianos Creek from its confluence with the Rio Hondo upstream to its headwaters.
- Leandro Creek within the Valle Vidal. Open July 1–December 31.
- Palociento Creek from its confluence with Rito de la Olla upstream to its headwaters.
- Rio Cebolla from the Seven Springs Day Use Area upstream to the headwaters including McKinney Pond.
- Rio de Las Vacas from the fish migration barrier located 0.2 miles upstream of FS Road 70 crossing to its headwaters.
- Rio Santa Barbara from the West Fork and Middle Fork confluence upstream to its headwaters including the East Fork.
- Rito del Padre from the fish migration barrier located about 0.3 miles upstream of the confluence with the Rito Sebadilloses to its headwaters including Rito de los Chimayosos.
- South Fork Rio Hondo (Taos County) from its confluence with the Rio Hondo upstream to its headwaters.
- Tanques Creek from FS Road 93 crossing upstream to its headwaters.
- West Fork Luna Creek from the Carson National Forest property boundary upstream to its headwaters.
- Yerba Creek from its confluence with the Rio Hondo upstream to its headwaters.
Green Chile Water: Bag limit 2 trout only. Artificial fly or lure with a single barbless hook.
- Pecos River in the box canyon 0.5 miles upstream of its confluence with the Mora River to 0.2 miles downstream of the bridge crossing at Cowles.
- Red River from its confluence with Goose Creek 1.1 miles upstream to the Carson National Forest boundary.
- 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 de Los Pinos from FS Road 284 and 87A, 2.5 miles upstream to the private property boundary. Rio Guadalupe from its confluence with Deer Creek Landing upstream 6.0 miles to Stable Canyon.
- Rio San Antonio from the San Antonio Hot Springs pedestrian bridge upstream 2.0 miles to the Valles Caldera National Preserve boundary.
- Sargent Wildlife Management Area for all waters within or adjacent to the WMA including the Rio Chamita, Sixto Creek, and Rio Chama, excluding Nabor Creek and Nabor Lake.
- Shuree Ponds on the Valle Vidal. Open July 1– December 31. Valles Caldera National Preserve all waters within preserve.
Xmas Chile Water: Bag limit 2 trout only. Any legal tackle.
- Gilita Creek and Willow Creek from its confluence with Snow Creek upstream to its headwaters including Little Turkey Creek.
- Mineral Creek from its confluence with San Francisco River to its headwaters.
- Red River from its confluence with the Rio Grande upstream to the lower walking bridge at Red River State Fish Hatchery.
- Rio Chama from the river-crossing bridge on U.S. Highway 84 at Abiquiu upstream 7.0 miles to the base of Abiquiu Dam.
- Rio Grande from the Colorado state line downstream to the Taos Junction Bridge at N.M. Highway 567. Rio Ruidoso from Fridenbloom Drive upstream to the Mescalero Reservation.
- Whitewater Creek from the Catwalk National Recreation Trail parking area upstream to the headwaters, including all tributaries.
Rainbow trout
The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.
The maximum number of individual fish across an aggregate group of species legally harvested per harvester per day.
Snagging
Harvest of this species by snagging (snatch hooking) is prohibited.
NM Mechanical or Electrical Devices
It is illegal to use mechanical or electrical devices capable of catching or killing game fish, except as permitted by regulation.
NM Bow fishing and Spear fishing
Bow fishing and spearfishing are legal means of take for game fish species and unprotected species in lakes and reservoirs open to angling. Bag and size limits for bow fishing and spearfishing are the same as angling. Bow fishing and spearfishing for game fish are not allowed in any river, stream, Special Trout Water or Trophy Bass Water (for largemouth bass). Arrows for bow fishing must be attached by a line, string or rope to enable retrieval of fish. Crossbows can be used for bow fishing. Legal means of take for spearfishing include spears, arrows with barbs and gigs. Spears can be discharged above or below the water surface. Local ordinances and/or prohibitions may apply at specific locations or waters, and the local managing agency should be contacted prior to bow fishing or spearfishing. Snorkelers and SCUBA divers should consult New Mexico State Park regulations prior to spearfishing.
NM Trotline Restriction
A trotline (throw line, limb line, set line, jug line, or "Yo-yo" line) is a line without a rod or reel attached. It does not need to be handheld nor closely attended. Trotlines are limited to 25 hooks. Trotlines belonging to two or more people may not be joined or tied together. Anglers may not fish with more than one trotline. Anglers may not check, pull up, or tamper with the trotline of another person. Any person using a trotline must attend it personally at least once every calendar day and remove or release all game fish that are caught.A person fishing with a trotline must attach an identification tag that is visible above the water line. The identification tag must list the angler's Customer Identification Number (CIN). Anglers 11 years of age and younger must list their Customer Identification Number (CIN) or their name and date of birth on the identification tag.Trotlines may be used to take game fish only in the river reaches and lakes listed by drainage:Rio Grande DrainageRiversRio Grande mainstem from its confluence with the Chama River downstream to New Mexico/Texas state line and Chama River mainstem from the northern boundary of the Monastery of LakesChrist in the Desert downstream to Abiquiu LakeAbiquiu Lake, Cochiti Lake, Elephant Butte Lake, and Caballo LakePecos River DrainageRiversPecos River mainstem downstream of I-25 (excluding Villanueva State Park) to the New Mexico/Texas state line and all tributaries within Chavez, De Baca, Eddy, Guadalupe, and San Miguel (downstream of I-25) CountiesLakesSanta Rosa Lake, Sumner Lake, Lake Avalon, Brantley Lake, Six Mile Lake, Ten Mile Reservoir, and Red Bluff ReservoirCanadian River DrainageRiversCanadian River mainstem and all tributaries downstream and east of I-25 to the New Mexico/ Texas state lineLakesStubblefield Lake, Laguna Madre, Maxwell Lake 14, Springer Lake, Conchas Lake, and Ute LakeSan Juan River DrainageRiversSan Juan River mainstem from U.S. 64 bridge at Blanco downstream to the Navajo Nation boundary at the Hogback canal diversionLakesNavajo LakeGila River and San Francisco River DrainageRiversGila River mainstem from its confluence with the east fork downstream to the New Mexico/Arizona state line and San Francisco River mainstem from U.S. 180 bridge at Alma downstream to the New Mexico/Arizona state lineLakesNone
NM Bait and Baitfish
Possession of and use of any baitfish while fishing is illegal, except as defined below. Baitfish may not be used in Special Trout Waters, Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge or Bottomless Lakes State Park. Bluegills and sunfish (genus Lepomis) taken legally by angling may be used as live or dead bait in the water where taken.Commercially packaged and processed dead fish are not considered baitfish and are approved for use in all waters where the use of bait is legal. Roe, viscera, and eyes of game fish taken legally may be used in all waters where the use of bait is legal. Chumming is allowed in all waters, except Special Trout Waters. Goldfish or bullfrogs (including larval stages, i.e. tadpoles) may not be used as live or dead bait in any waters. Salamander larva (waterdogs) may be used in all waters where the use of bait is legal.Approved live and/or dead baitfish locations:Rio Grande Drainage: Fathead minnow, red shiner and shadElephant Butte and Caballo reservoirs: Fathead minnow, red shiner, shad and golden shinerCanadian River Drainage: Fathead minnow, red shiner, white sucker and shadSan Juan River Drainage: Fathead minnow and red shinerGila River and San Francisco River Drainages: Fathead minnow onlyPecos River Drainage (excluding Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge and Bottomless Lakes State Park): Fathead minnow and red shinerApproved dead-only baitfish (cutbait) locationsStatewide: Common carpHeron Reservoir: White suckerBaitfish may only be taken for personal use and only by anglers who are currently licensed or 11 years of age or younger. Permitted methods for taking minnows include: angling, dip nets, cast nets, traps and seines. Seines may not be longer than 20 feet, and the mesh size may not be larger than 3/8-inch square. All protected species of fish (including endangered and threatened species) taken with seines, nets, and traps must immediately be returned to the water.
Bag limit of 5 fish is considered any combination of trout and/or salmon with the exception that no more than 2 lake trout and/or 2 cutthroat trout may be included in the limit.
https://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/fishing/game-fish/cold-water-regulations-2/
Trout bag is 3 trout at Laguna del Campo.
https://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/fishing/game-fish/cold-water-regulations-2/
Special Trout Waters Apply to the following waters:
General Rules for Special Trout Waters (STW): Many STWs require artificial flies and lures with a single, barbless hook. It is illegal to disturb rocks, plants, or sediment to attract fish. Chumming
and baitfish use are not allowed in any STW. The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish has established three designations for STWs: Red Chile Water, Green Chile Water and Xmas Chile Water.
Trout water areas are displayed on the New Mexico Fishing Waters map. For additional information please see: https://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/fishing/game-fish/cold-water-regulations-2/
Red Chile Waters: Catch and Release Only. Artificial fly or lure with a single barbless hook.
- Capulin Creek from the confluence with the Rio Grande to its headwaters.
- Cimarron River from the east end of Tolby Campground downstream 1.4 miles to the first U.S. Highway 64 bridge.
- Jack's Creek from the waterfalls located 0.25 miles downstream of N.M. Highway 63 crossing upstream to its headwaters.
- Mogollon Creek from barrier at waterfalls near U.S. Forest Service Trail 153 upstream to confluence of Trail Canyon. Open from July 1–October 31.
- Nabor Creek and Nabor Lake on the Sargent Wildlife Management Area.
- Pecos River in the Pecos Wilderness above Pecos Falls.
- Rio Chama from USGS gaging station located below Cooper's Landing to the Rio Nutrias confluence.
- Rio Costilla from its confluence with Latir Creek upstream 2.4 miles to the Valle Vidal boundary.
- Rio Las Animas within Gila National Forest, Black Range District.
- Rio Valdez in the Pecos Wilderness from the waterfall barrier 0.8 miles below FS Trail 239 upstream to its headwaters.
- San Juan River from Navajo Dam downstream 3.75 miles to the Crusher Hole Day Use Area. It is illegal to fish with more than 2 flies or lures on a single line when fishing the Special Trout Water of the San Juan River.
- Tingley Beach South Pond within the Albuquerque Conservancy Park. Valle Vidal All streams. Open July 1–December 31.
Red Chile Water with Native Trout Conservation: Catch-and-release only for Rio Grande cutthroat trout and Gila trout Bag limit unlimited for rainbow trout, brown trout and brook trout. Artificial fly or lure with a single barbless hook.
- Black Canyon upstream from waterfall barrier at Black Canyon Campground. Open July 1–October 31. Cabresto Creek upstream from Cabresto Canyon to headwaters, not including Lake Fork or Cabresto Lake.
- Canada Tio Grande within the Carson National Forest, excluding private land.
- Columbine Creek from its confluence with the Red River upstream to its headwaters.
- Frijoles Creek (Taos County) from its confluence with Rito de la Olla upstream to its headwaters.
- Gavilan Creek from its confluence with the Rio Hondo upstream to its headwaters.
- Italianos Creek from its confluence with the Rio Hondo upstream to its headwaters.
- Leandro Creek within the Valle Vidal. Open July 1–December 31.
- Palociento Creek from its confluence with Rito de la Olla upstream to its headwaters.
- Rio Cebolla from the Seven Springs Day Use Area upstream to the headwaters including McKinney Pond.
- Rio de Las Vacas from the fish migration barrier located 0.2 miles upstream of FS Road 70 crossing to its headwaters.
- Rio Santa Barbara from the West Fork and Middle Fork confluence upstream to its headwaters including the East Fork.
- Rito del Padre from the fish migration barrier located about 0.3 miles upstream of the confluence with the Rito Sebadilloses to its headwaters including Rito de los Chimayosos.
- South Fork Rio Hondo (Taos County) from its confluence with the Rio Hondo upstream to its headwaters.
- Tanques Creek from FS Road 93 crossing upstream to its headwaters.
- West Fork Luna Creek from the Carson National Forest property boundary upstream to its headwaters.
- Yerba Creek from its confluence with the Rio Hondo upstream to its headwaters.
Green Chile Water: Bag limit 2 trout only. Artificial fly or lure with a single barbless hook.
- Pecos River in the box canyon 0.5 miles upstream of its confluence with the Mora River to 0.2 miles downstream of the bridge crossing at Cowles.
- Red River from its confluence with Goose Creek 1.1 miles upstream to the Carson National Forest boundary.
- 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 de Los Pinos from FS Road 284 and 87A, 2.5 miles upstream to the private property boundary. Rio Guadalupe from its confluence with Deer Creek Landing upstream 6.0 miles to Stable Canyon.
- Rio San Antonio from the San Antonio Hot Springs pedestrian bridge upstream 2.0 miles to the Valles Caldera National Preserve boundary.
- Sargent Wildlife Management Area for all waters within or adjacent to the WMA including the Rio Chamita, Sixto Creek, and Rio Chama, excluding Nabor Creek and Nabor Lake.
- Shuree Ponds on the Valle Vidal. Open July 1– December 31. Valles Caldera National Preserve all waters within preserve.
Xmas Chile Water: Bag limit 2 trout only. Any legal tackle.
- Gilita Creek and Willow Creek from its confluence with Snow Creek upstream to its headwaters including Little Turkey Creek.
- Mineral Creek from its confluence with San Francisco River to its headwaters.
- Red River from its confluence with the Rio Grande upstream to the lower walking bridge at Red River State Fish Hatchery.
- Rio Chama from the river-crossing bridge on U.S. Highway 84 at Abiquiu upstream 7.0 miles to the base of Abiquiu Dam.
- Rio Grande from the Colorado state line downstream to the Taos Junction Bridge at N.M. Highway 567. Rio Ruidoso from Fridenbloom Drive upstream to the Mescalero Reservation.
- Whitewater Creek from the Catwalk National Recreation Trail parking area upstream to the headwaters, including all tributaries.
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