The New Mexico Trout Challenge: Catch the five trout species listed below that are found and inhabit lakes and streams within New Mexico (Rio Grande Cutthroat, Gila, Brown, Brook, and Rainbow Trout).

Anglers who complete the challenge in New Mexico waters will be eligible to receive a special recognition and be included in the Trout Challenge Hall of Fame on the Department’s website along with all of the successful New Mexico Trout Challenge Anglers.

1. There is no fee or pre-registration required for this program.
2. There is no time limit on completing the challenge.
3. The challenge is open to anyone, including residents and non-residents.
4. Catch and Release is encouraged in this challenge.
5. Class A lakes and other waters that are privately stocked are excluded from this challenge.
6. No trout caught before January 1, 2020, the start date of this challenge, can be used as a part of this challenge.
7. Participants are not limited to the number of challenges they complete each year.
8. All anglers participating in this challenge are required to obtain a Customer Identification Number (CIN).
9. All anglers participating in the New Mexico Trout Challenge must have a valid New Mexico fishing license and abide by all rules and regulations for waters in which they are fishing. Licenses are not required for New Mexico resident and non-resident anglers 11 years of age or younger.
10. Anglers submitting a catch for this challenge can do so by emailing them to
dgf-fishingchallenges@dgf.nm.gov. Anglers must submit all catches at once when completed. Submissions must include the following information:
a. Contact information to include their full name, email address, and mailing address.
b. The angler’s current New Mexico fishing license number. Licenses are not required for New Mexico resident and non-resident anglers 11 years of age or younger.
c. The angler’s Customer Identification Number (CIN). This is required of all participants in the challenge.
d. What body of water the fish was caught in.
e. A photo of their fish. These photos will become the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish’s property to share on social media, promoting fishing in the state of New Mexico, the New Mexico Trout Challenge, and any other agency publications.
11. Anglers who don’t have access to email can mail them to DGF Fishing Challenges, 1615 W. College Blvd., Roswell, NM 88201.
12. Upon verification of achievement of the New Mexico Trout Challenge by department staff, the angler will be provided with:
a. A certification of achievement.
b. A New Mexico Trout Challenge coin to recognize the angler’s achievement.
c. Their name added to the New Mexico Trout Challenge Hall of Fame.

Official Rules (PDF)