NPS PHOTO

Pecos River

FISHING OVERVIEW

Our pilot fishing program offers each angler approximately one mile of stream to fish alone or with up to two guests for the day. This approach is designed to offer each angler a quality experience. This section of the Pecos River is not accessible by any other park user; it is hoped each angler has a satisfying and memorable experience.

Pecos NHP hosts 3 miles of fishing opportunity along the Pecos River. September 4th through November 3rd 2008 will mark the park’s pilot fishing season. Anglers will be provided the opportunity to fish the Pecos River within the park Thursdays through Mondays, 8:30am-3pm.

For the purposes of the fishing program, the 3 miles of river located within the park are divided into three sections or ‘beats’ (see map below). Two beats, or up to six anglers, per day will be available on a reservation system; one beat, or up to three anglers, per day will be available first-come first-served. All beats will be rotated daily to ensure a varied angler experience. 

PLAN YOUR VISIT

To take part in our fishing program, you can either make advanced reservations for the two beats available per day (six anglers total) or show up at the visitor center the day you would like to fish to see if there are any spaces available.

2008 Reservation System

Fishing Application Form (PDF)

Map of Fishing Area (PDF)

Reservation requests may be made by mail or fax, (no phone or email) starting 8am July 1, 2008 until all slots are filled. The park will process applications in the order in which they were received. The park staff will then notify applicants once the application is processed. The park fax number is (505) 757-7207, the park address: Fishing Program, Pecos National Historical Park, PO Box 418, Pecos, NM 87552.

First Come First Served

First-come first-served anglers will be accommodated at the park visitor center starting 8:15am the day the angler wishes to fish (Thursdays through Mondays). The park opens at 8am and it takes the rangers a few moments to open up shop. Be courteous if other anglers are there ahead of you at the entrance gate. 

Cancellation And Arrival Time Policy

Anyone who makes a reservation should contact the visitor center and let staff know that they are canceling a trip 24 hours in advance. All anglers must check in to the visitor center no later than 9:30am the day of the permit. After 9:30am, available spaces will be given away on a first come, first served basis.

Fees

$3 per person park entrance fee*

$25 per person fishing fee

*All national park passes will be honored including  Senior, Access and Annual passes. All fees will be paid at the park visitor center the day of fishing. All major credit cards are accepted.

2008 Fishing Season Important Dates

FISHING RULES AND REGULATIONS

• All anglers must possess a valid New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMG&F) fishing license and Habitat Management and Access Validation. Special rules exist. It is your responsibility to know and obey them.
  
• To obtain current New Mexico fishing license fees visit the New Mexico division of Wildlife web site.
  
• All fishing is catch and release.
  
• Only artificial flies and lures with single, barbless hooks are permitted.
  
• No bait such as worms, grasshoppers, salmon eggs, corn, etc. are allowed.
  
• No pets are permitted into the park with the exception of assistance animals.
  
• Anglers must pack out all trash.
  
• No commercial guiding allowed during the pilot program.
  
• No open fires are allowed in the park. Smoking is prohibited except within designated areas. Other seasonal restrictions might apply.
  
• Every angler will receive mandatory safety and rules orientation prior to fishing in the park.
  
• All fees (ie. $25 fishing and $3 park entrance) are payable the day of fishing at the visitor center.
  
• All waders, wading shoes and personal nets will have to be rinsed at the visitor center before fishing. Aquatic Guidlines Checklist (pdf)

CHECKLIST FOR ANGLERS

To help you prepare for your fishing trip at the park, we’ve provided a checklist. Keep in mind that this is not an all-inclusive list but it should help as you begin to plan your trip. We look forward to meeting you.

Fishing Rod  - Sunscreen & Lip balm - Reel (if needed) - Rain gear - Extra line - Sunglasses - Extra tippet - Drinking water - Array of flies - Lunches or snacks - Fishing Vest - Extra layer of clothing - Hat - Binoculars for wildlife viewing - Camera - Trashbag

RIVER PROFILE

The Pecos River begins in the Santa Fe National Forest and heads south. After flowing through the town of Pecos and some private ranch land, the river enters Pecos National Historic Park, where it winds for three miles through a mixed Ponderosa pine forest. The upper two miles form a beautiful and isolated stretch of river shaded by pines but bordered by grassy banks open for casting. The river curves against rock walls forming deep pools, interspersed with riffles and boulder studded runs. There are plenty of holding areas for trout and the gravel substrate supports abundant invertebrates. The lower one mile flows through more open country and becomes braided, gliding past grassy banks, willow thickets and cottonwood stands, ending in an enticing pool against a cliff wall. Introduced brown trout and rainbow trout from 8 to 14”can be caught with typical trout stream patterns, and a dry fly and a dropper is a good combination to try. . Fossils are visible in limestone outcrops along the river near the old railroad bridge and a variety of birds can be seen in this nearly pristine riparian area. Anglers and non-anglers can enjoy the sense of wilderness and natural grandeur on this newly accessible river.