The Navajo Lake Kokanee Salmon Tournament happens each October in northern New Mexico

The Navajo Lake Kokanee Salmon Tournament is an annual fishing competition held at Navajo Lake State Park, about 40 miles east of Farmington near the Colorado border. The tournament typically runs for one weekend in October, though the exact dates shift year to year. Anglers fish for kokanee salmon, a landlocked species that migrates into shallow water in fall to spawn, making them catchable from shore and boat.

The event is organized by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish in partnership with the state park. It draws both local anglers and visitors from surrounding states who want to fish during kokanee season. Entry is open to anyone with a valid New Mexico fishing license, and the tournament structure keeps participation accessible rather than exclusive.

Key Takeaways

  • The tournament runs one weekend each October at Navajo Lake State Park, with exact dates posted on the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish website.
  • You need a valid New Mexico fishing license to enter, and you must register on the day of the tournament at the park.
  • Kokanee salmon are caught from both shore and boat during their fall spawning run, and the fish are typically 10 to 14 inches long.
  • Prize categories usually include heaviest fish, most fish caught, and youth divisions, with awards distributed the same day fishing ends.
  • Navajo Lake sits at 6,000 feet elevation and can be cold in October, so plan for weather and bring appropriate gear.

How the tournament works and what to bring

Registration happens on-site at Navajo Lake State Park on the morning the tournament begins. You arrive with your valid New Mexico fishing license and pay an entry fee, which varies year to year but is typically modest. The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish sets the specific fee and publishes it when they announce the tournament dates, usually in August or September.

Fishing hours are set for the day — typically from sunrise to a fixed afternoon time like 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. All fish must be caught during the official window and brought to the weigh-in station before it closes. Bring a cooler with ice to keep your catch fresh, a net if you fish from shore, and a measuring device because some categories reward fish by size rather than weight alone.

The lake has both a marina with boat rentals and accessible shore fishing areas. If you do not own a boat, you can rent one at the marina or fish from the designated shore access points. The water is cold in October — typically in the 50s — so dress in layers and bring a windbreaker even if the morning feels mild.

What kokanee salmon are and where to find them

Kokanee are small salmon, usually 10 to 14 inches long, that live their entire lives in freshwater lakes. Unlike ocean salmon, they never migrate to the sea. In fall, they move into shallow water to spawn, which is when they become catchable for tournaments and regular fishing.

At Navajo Lake, kokanee concentrate near inlet streams and along rocky shorelines in October. They respond to small spinners, spoons, and flies. From a boat, you can troll slowly along drop-offs. From shore, cast near structure — rocks, submerged logs, or areas where water flows in from tributaries. The fish are not large, but they fight hard and are excellent eating when prepared fresh.

Prize categories and how winners are determined

Most years the tournament awards prizes in several categories: heaviest single fish, most fish caught by one angler, and often a youth division for anglers under 16. Some tournaments also recognize the largest fish caught by a female angler or the best catch by someone fishing from shore versus boat, though these vary by year.

Winners are announced at a weigh-in ceremony the same day fishing ends, usually in the late afternoon. Prizes are typically merchandise — fishing gear, tackle, or gift certificates to local shops — rather than cash. The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish publishes the full prize structure when they announce the tournament, so you know what you are fishing for before you register.

Navajo Lake State Park basics and access

Navajo Lake State Park charges a day-use fee to enter, separate from your tournament entry fee. The park has a marina, boat rentals, a campground, and picnic areas. If you want to fish the day before or stay overnight, camping is available year-round, though October nights are cold at 6,000 feet elevation.

The park is about 40 miles from Farmington on US-64 heading east toward Colorado. The drive takes roughly 45 minutes from town. Cell service can be spotty in the area, so download directions and tournament information before you leave. The park has restrooms and a small store, but bring food and water for the day.

Fishing license requirements and regulations

You must have a valid New Mexico fishing license to fish the tournament. You can purchase a one-day license or an annual license through the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish website or at most sporting goods stores. The license is inexpensive — a one-day license costs less than $15 — and is required whether you fish the tournament or fish Navajo Lake on any other day.

New Mexico has specific regulations for kokanee at Navajo Lake, including daily catch limits and size restrictions. These rules are printed in the current New Mexico fishing regulations guide, which you can download from the Department of Game and Fish website or pick up at any license vendor. Tournament organizers brief anglers on any special rules at registration, but reading the regulations beforehand prevents confusion.

When to find information and how to register

The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish announces the Navajo Lake Kokanee Salmon Tournament dates, entry fee, and registration details on their website, usually in late summer. Search for "Navajo Lake Kokanee Salmon Tournament" on the department's site or call their regional office in Farmington to confirm dates for the year you plan to fish.

Registration is first-come, first-served on the day of the tournament. There is no pre-registration online, so you arrive at the park early to secure your spot. If the tournament fills to capacity — which is rare but possible on popular years — late arrivals may not be able to enter, so plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before the official start time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish the tournament, or can I fish from shore?

You can fish from shore. Navajo Lake has designated shore access areas where you can cast for kokanee without a boat. Many anglers catch fish from shore during the spawning run because kokanee move into shallow water in October. If you want to fish from a boat but do not own one, the marina rents boats by the day.

What is the daily catch limit for kokanee at Navajo Lake?

New Mexico's daily limit for kokanee varies by lake and changes periodically. Check the current New Mexico fishing regulations guide or call the Department of Game and Fish before the tournament to confirm the limit for Navajo Lake that year. The tournament organizers also post the limit at registration.

Can children fish the tournament?

Yes. Most tournaments have a youth division for anglers under 16, with their own prize category. Children still need a valid New Mexico fishing license, though youth licenses are less expensive than adult licenses. Check with the tournament organizers at registration to confirm the youth age cutoff and any special rules for young anglers.

What should I do if I have never fished for kokanee before?

Kokanee respond well to small spinners and spoons in silver or gold. Cast near structure — rocks, inlet streams, or drop-offs — and retrieve slowly. Talk to other anglers at the weigh-in station; tournament participants are usually willing to share what worked that day. The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish also publishes fishing tips for Navajo Lake on their website.

Is there camping near Navajo Lake if I want to stay overnight?

Yes. Navajo Lake State Park has a campground open year-round with sites for tents and RVs. Camping fills quickly during the tournament weekend, so reserve a site in advance through the state park system. October nights are cold at elevation, so bring warm bedding and a good tent.