|
New Mexico
Department of Game and Fish
Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866
Media contact, Tristanna Bickford: (505) 476-8027
tristanna.bickford@state.nm.us
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, MAY 31, 2022:
Free Fishing Day is Saturday, June 4
SANTA FE – Anglers can fish for free in New Mexico on Saturday, June 4, as the state celebrates National Boating and Fishing Week.
Anyone can fish for free in public fishing waters throughout the state Saturday, June 4, but everyone must observe bag limits and all other rules and regulations. For more information, please visit the Department’s website.
“This is a great time to take your family fishing and teach them a skill that will provide a lifetime of enjoyment,” said Mike Sloane, Director for the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish.
If you are new to fishing, the Department will be hosting an event at Liam Knight Pond in Corrales from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The event is open to the public and will offer free fishing activities, archery and pellet gun target shooting, wildlife identification and a fishing game. No fishing license is required for this event that will feature prizes for heaviest, largest, smallest and tagged fish. You do need to bring your fishing equipment and bait.
The Department’s Fisheries Management Division continues to implement research projects and management actions across the state that improve fisheries and angling opportunities. To improve fish habitat at Bill Evans and Carlsbad Lakes, man-made habitat structures were created. Biologists are currently working on multiple Gila trout projects to improve angling and have modified the stocking strategy at Eagle Nest Lake based on current research. A newly opened Kid’s Pond at Rock Lake Hatchery is now available for anglers 11 years of age and younger. The Department has also improved fish habitat and angler access on the Rio Chama and is working on many other projects to improve fisheries and angler opportunities statewide.
For information on additional places to fish and what to use, consult the Department’s weekly fishing and stocking report and the Fishing Conditions and Trip Planner. Maps of public fishing waters, lists of where to find family-friendly fishing and tips on how to fish also can be found on the Department website.
The Department reminds anglers and outdoor recreationists to “know before you go” and to contact land management agencies regarding additional regulations or restrictions on specific properties of interest before heading afield. Helpful agencies include:
To provide the most up-to-date fire information in New Mexico, including closures, the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) has established a Joint Information Task Force (JIC) in coordination with multiple state agencies. Please visit the wildfire page on the DHSEM website and their Facebook account for fire updates and more information.
###
|
