What a Nonresident Junior Annual License Covers
A nonresident junior annual fishing license in New Mexico allows young anglers who live outside the state to fish in New Mexico waters for a full calendar year. The license covers freshwater fishing in lakes, rivers, and streams throughout the state and is valid from January 1 through December 31. A junior license is typically issued to anglers under a specific age — in New Mexico, this is generally anyone under 18 years old, though you should confirm the exact age cutoff with the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish before purchasing.
This license does not include special stamps or permits for specific species or methods. If you plan to fish for certain species like walleye or to use particular techniques, you may need to purchase additional stamps or permits depending on the water and regulations in effect at the time you fish. The annual license is the foundation that allows you to legally fish; everything else builds from there.
Key Takeaways
- A nonresident junior annual license allows young anglers from outside New Mexico to fish statewide for one full calendar year.
- The license is typically available to anglers under 18, though you should verify the exact age with the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish.
- You can purchase the license online through the New Mexico Game and Fish website, by phone, or at authorized vendors throughout the state.
- The cost varies by year and is set by the state; check the official website for the current price before you buy.
- Some waters and species may require additional stamps or permits beyond the base annual license.
How to Purchase a Nonresident Junior License
The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish sells nonresident junior annual licenses through three main channels. The fastest option is to buy online at the department's official website, where you can complete the purchase and print or download your license immediately. You will need a valid email address and a payment method — credit card or debit card — to complete the transaction online.
If you prefer to buy in person, you can visit any authorized vendor throughout New Mexico. These vendors include sporting goods stores, bait and tackle shops, and some outdoor retailers. Call ahead to confirm the vendor has licenses in stock, since smaller locations may not always carry them. You can also contact the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish directly by phone to purchase over the phone, though this method typically takes longer to process than online purchase.
Cost and What Affects the Price
The cost of a nonresident junior annual license is set by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish and changes periodically. The price is lower than a nonresident adult annual license but higher than a resident junior license. Because the exact cost varies by year, you should check the department's official website or call them directly to learn the current price before you purchase.
The license fee goes toward fish and wildlife management, habitat restoration, and enforcement of fishing regulations across the state. Once you pay, there are no additional fees to fish on public waters, though you may need to purchase special stamps if you target certain species or fish in designated areas.
Age Requirements and Proof of Residency
To purchase a nonresident junior license, you must be under the age specified by New Mexico — typically under 18. You will need to provide your date of birth when you purchase, whether online or in person. An adult (parent or guardian) can purchase the license on behalf of a junior angler, but the license itself is issued in the young angler's name.
You must also prove you are a nonresident of New Mexico. Residency is typically defined as living outside New Mexico for at least 90 days before the purchase date. When you buy online, you will declare your state of residence; if you buy in person, the vendor may ask for an ID showing your out-of-state address. If you have recently moved to New Mexico or are unsure whether you meet the residency requirement, contact the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish before purchasing.
What Waters You Can Fish and Seasonal Considerations
A nonresident junior annual license is valid on all public fishing waters in New Mexico, including national forests, state parks, and public lakes and rivers. However, some waters have special regulations or closures that apply year-round or during certain seasons. Before you fish a specific location, check the current fishing regulations for that water on the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish website or in their printed regulation guide.
New Mexico's fishing seasons vary by species and location. Trout season, for example, runs year-round on many waters but may have different regulations depending on whether the water is designated as a wild trout stream or a put-and-take fishery. Warmwater species like bass and catfish have their own seasons. Your annual license is valid all year, but you can only fish during the open season for the species and water you choose. Always check local regulations before heading out.
Additional Stamps and Permits You Might Need
Beyond the base annual license, New Mexico offers optional stamps and permits for specific purposes. Some waters require a special use permit, and certain species may require a stamp if you want to keep them. For example, if you plan to fish for walleye in designated waters, you may need to purchase a walleye stamp in addition to your annual license. These stamps are typically inexpensive and can be purchased at the same time as your license or separately.
Check the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish website or regulation guide for the specific water and species you plan to target. The regulations change, so what required a stamp last year may not this year, or vice versa. When in doubt, contact the department directly — they can tell you exactly what you need before you go fishing.
How to Carry and Display Your License
Once you purchase your license, you must carry it with you whenever you fish. If you bought online and printed it, keep the printed copy in your wallet or pack. If you downloaded it to your phone, you can show the digital version to a game warden if asked, though having a physical copy is safer in case your phone dies or loses signal.
If you bought your license in person from a vendor, they will give you a physical copy. Write your name and the license number on it if it is not pre-printed. Game wardens conduct regular checks on fishing waters, and you are required by law to produce your license on demand. Fishing without a valid license on you is a violation, even if you purchased one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fish with a nonresident junior license if I am visiting for just a week?
Yes, but an annual license may not be the best choice for a short trip. New Mexico also sells short-term nonresident licenses (typically 1-day, 3-day, and 5-day options) that cost less than an annual license. If you are visiting for a week or less, compare the price of a short-term license to the annual license and choose whichever fits your plans and budget.
What happens if I turn 18 before my annual license expires?
Your junior license remains valid through December 31 of the year you purchased it, even if you turn 18 before then. Once it expires, you will need to purchase an adult nonresident license if you want to continue fishing in New Mexico. The adult license costs more than the junior license.
Can I fish in tribal waters with a nonresident junior license?
No. Tribal lands and tribal waters in New Mexico are governed by tribal fishing regulations, not state regulations. You will need a separate tribal permit to fish on tribal lands. Contact the specific tribe whose land you want to fish to learn about their permit requirements and costs.
Do I need a license if I am fishing with an adult who has a license?
Yes. Each person fishing must have their own valid license. An adult's license does not cover anyone else, regardless of age. Every angler on the water needs to carry their own license.
Where can I find the current fishing regulations for a specific water?
The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish publishes a comprehensive regulation guide online and in print. You can also call the department or visit their website to search for specific waters. Many popular fishing areas have detailed regulation sheets available at local vendors and online.