By Melissa Garnett
Southeast Area Public Information Specialist

The New Mexico fishing challenges offer anglers the thrill of exploring the state’s diverse waters while pursuing some of its most popular fish species. Whether searching for native trout in the Gila or chasing bass on a warm-water lake, anglers can turn every fishing trip into an adventure. The New Mexico Department of Wildlife provides an incentive for anglers to pursue all of New Mexico’s treasured fish species, as well as set records of their own.

The New Mexico fishing challenges were launched during the COVID-19 pandemic to engage the public in a unique angling opportunity. The program gained immediate popularity, as people were hungry for opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and a little healthy competition with fellow anglers. What began as a means to reconnect the public to its public lands has grown into a popular challenge for fishing enthusiasts.

The New Mexico fishing challenges

The Department offers several challenges for anglers of all skill levels. The New Mexico Trout Challenge encourages participants to explore the state’s rivers, streams and lakes in search of five trout species: brown trout, brook trout, rainbow trout, Rio Grande cutthroat trout and Gila trout.

For anglers who prefer warm-water fishing, the New Mexico Bass Challenge highlights the diversity of New Mexico’s bass fisheries. Participants must catch four species: largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, white bass and spotted bass.

Anglers looking for an opportunity to showcase an exceptional catch can participate in the New Mexico Master Angler Award Program. Fish that exceed the minimum qualifying length listed on the Department’s website may qualify for the award after verification. A qualifying photograph verifying the fish’s length is required for submission.

And for those who catch a truly remarkable fish, the New Mexico Record Fish Program recognizes anglers who establish new state records. State records are determined by weight and anglers must have their fish weighed on a certified scale before contacting a New Mexico Department of Wildlife area office. An officer or biologist will certify the catch before it is reviewed for consideration.

To participate, anglers 12 and older must have a valid New Mexico Fishing License and fish public waters for the species required for their chosen challenge. All fish must be caught legally during an open season and by legal means. As each species is caught, anglers should take a photo as proof of their catch. For length-based challenges, place the fish on a measuring board with its nose flush against the board, pinch the tail and measure it to the nearest inch before taking a photo. Once all required species have been caught, anglers can submit their photos, customer identification number (CIN) and location of each catch to dgf-fishingchallenges@dgf.nm.gov.

A new Trout Challenge coin in the works

The Department rewards participants in the fishing challenge with a collectible challenge coin and certificate. Each fish challenge features a special coin design, and the Department continues to introduce new designs for the New Mexico Trout Challenge, allowing anglers to collect unique Department of Wildlife memorabilia inspired by the fish that make New Mexico special.

This year, the Department is pleased to introduce a new challenge coin featuring a custom-designed artwork by local artist Elden Aguilar of Wild Styln’ Art. His uniquely New Mexican Gila trout design will be featured on this year’s Trout Challenge coin and promotional materials.

Inspired by the beauty of the Gila landscape, Aguilar seeks to connect his art to New Mexico’s beauty, his cultural traditions and the fish he loves to catch. Aguilar is a member of the Santo Domingo Pueblo and an avid hunter and angler. If you love the outdoors, New Mexico’s rich mix of culture and wildlife makes it a wonderful place to visit or call home and Aguilar’s artwork captures exactly what draws people to the Land of Enchantment.

After visiting the Gila during a hunt, Aguilar was inspired by the area’s natural beauty, “The landscape, scenery and atmosphere were just so different from other places because of the high desert terrain…being down there, I felt some kind of connection. Maybe it was because I found ancient ruins there—it made me want to explore the area even more.”

Not long after, he planned a fishing trip and caught a Gila trout for the first time. After seeing it up close and the details that make the Gila trout unique, he had an idea for a design that highlighted its unique golden color and detailed patterns. Wanting to showcase an often overlooked trout, Aguilar says, “What I liked about Gila trout is that they are a native species to New Mexico and are unique to the area. I feel like the Gila trout is special and want more people to recognize what a cool species they are in our state.”

The Department is excited about highlighting the Gila trout, one of New Mexico’s two native trout species with the upcoming special New Mexico Trout Challenge coin. Stay tuned for the release of the coin and your chance to collect this one-of-a-kind piece of art.

How to participate in the fishing challenges

Interest and participation in the New Mexico fishing challenges continues to grow. Last year, anglers from more than 10 states traveled to New Mexico to complete the Trout Challenge. In 2025, the New Mexico Bass Challenge increased angler participation by 50%, while participation in the New Mexico Trout Challenge increased over 20%.

Ready to start your own New Mexico Fish Challenge? Anyone with a New Mexico fishing license can participate. Getting a license is easy. Visit the Department’s website , stop by your local area office , or purchase one through one of our vendor partners .

Start exploring! The Department’s weekly Fishing Report has great tips on current fishing conditions and would be a good place to start planning your next trip. The Fishing and Stocking Reports are available on our website and can come to your inbox .

The New Mexico Department of Wildlife also hosts or supports a variety of fishing derbies, fishing clinics and events throughout the year. These are annouced on the Department’s website calendar and through email communications. All clinics and camps are free of charge and provide excellent opportunities for beginners to learn the basics and to meet other anglers in your area.

You just might meet a new fishing buddy to tackle your next New Mexico fishing challenge.