Home > Treks > New Mexico Fishing License

New Mexico Fishing License

Philmont has incredible mountain streams in its backcountry with several types of trout! Fishing opportunities may be highlighted depending on your itinerary. 

In conjunction with the State of New Mexico and an act of the State of NM Congress, Philmont has youth special licenses that are $2.00 and are good for your entire trek for anyone under the age of 18.

Youth licenses can be purchased at the Tooth of Time Traders or in the backcountry at Abreu, Fish Camp, Hunting Lodge and Phillips Junction. Cash is required and the exact amount is encouraged.

Adult fishing licenses can be purchased at the Tooth of Time Traders or online from onlinesales.wildlife.state.nm.us. They can also be purchased ahead of time from any digital device. A one-day non-resident license is $12 and a five day is $24. Since these licenses are more time specific, you will need to refer to your itinerary and calculate the date you will be fishing. Day 1 on your itinerary is Base Camp. If you are expedition number is 618-A1 and Fish Camp Falls on day 8 of your trek. Then you would start with 6/18 as 1 and then day 8 would be 6/25 and that is the date you would enter for a one day license.  

ADULT LICENSES CANNOT BE SOLD IN THE BACKCOUNTRY. They must be purchased online or at the Tooth of Time Traders. 

Don’t forget to bring a copy of your license if purchased ahead of time. 

Do I need a fishing license?

  • Youth 11 years and younger: No, you do not need a license to fish in New Mexico.
  • Youth 12-17 years old: Yes. You may purchase a special Philmont Youth 10-Day fishing license at certain backcountry camps. If you’d like, you may purchase a NM Youth Annual License instead (not available in the backcountry).
  • Adults 18 years and older: Yes, you must purchase a New Mexico fishing license (details below). This license can be purchased online. Adult fishing licenses are not available for purchase in the backcountry.
License Type NM Resident Non-Resident
1-Day $16.00 $16.00
5-Day $28.00 $28.00
Adult Annual $29.00 $60.00
Youth Annual $9.00 $19.00
Philmont Youth 10-Day $2.00 $2.00

All prices include a mandatory $4.00 Habitat Management access stamp. All Annual Licenses begin April 1 and end March 31. Licenses can be purchased online through the New Mexico Department of Game & Fish website.

*If you would like to purchase a NM fishing license at the Tooth of Time Traders in base camp, you may choose to register for a Customer Identification Number (CIN). This will allow Philmont staff to process a fishing license for you more quickly using your driver’s license as identification.