Pecos National Historical Park Fishing Reservations

Pecos National Historical Park

In the midst of pinon, juniper, and ponderosa pine woodlands of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains not far from Santa Fe, the remains of Indian pueblos stand as meaningful reminders of people who once prevailed. Pecos National Historical Park helps visitors explore the cultural exchange and geographic features that played such crucial roles in the rich history of the Pecos Valley. The Upper Pecos River, its tributaries, and natural resources provide a diverse landscape that has nurtured settlement and facilitated multicultural interactions. These resources were important to people living in the region in the past and continue to be enjoyed by people today. The park offers fishing permits along three miles of the Pecos River within the park. The park divides the river into three sections or "beats" that are available to reserve in advance for fishing. The "beats" offers anglers roughly one mile on the Pecos River to fish with up to two other people for the day.

In the midst of pinon, juniper, and ponderosa pine woodlands of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains not far from Santa Fe, the remains of Indian pueblos stand as meaningful reminders of people who once prevailed. Pecos National Historical Park helps visitors explore the cultural exchange and geographic features that played such crucial roles in the rich history of the Pecos Valley. The Upper Pecos River, its tributaries, and natural resources provide a diverse landscape that has nurtured settlement and facilitated multicultural interactions. These resources were important to people living in the region in the past and continue to be enjoyed by people today. The park offers fishing permits along three miles of the Pecos River within the park. The park divides the river into three sections or "beats" that are available to reserve in advance for fishing. The "beats" offers anglers roughly one mile on the Pecos River to fish with up to two other people for the day.

Need to Know

• • Reservations: Reservations are available up to 30 days in advance and until 10:00 a.m. the day of arrival. You may book reservations for up to three people. Please be aware that if you make one reservation, you may share the beat with up to two additional permit holders. Senior and Access pass discounts do not apply for these reservations.
    
  • Fees and Cancellations: Fishing reservations are $15 per person. Until 10:00 a.m. the day of arrival, you may change the reservation at no cost or cancel for a $3 cancellation fee. 
    
  • Operating Hours and Seasons: Once you have a reservation, you must stop at the visitor center to obtain a permit. 
  • Summer Park Hours (Memorial Day to Labor Day): 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.
    - Summer Visitor Center Hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
  • Winter Park Hours (Labor Day to Memorial Day): 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
    - Winter Visitor Center Hours: 8:30 am to 4:00 pm.
  • Fishing reservations are available during the spring, summer and fall. Spring and Fall Fishing Permit is valid 8:30 am to 3:00 pm. Summer Fishing Permit is valid 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.
    
  • Permit will be issued upon arrival: Your reservation is for a fishing time only. It is not a permit to fish. All anglers with reservations must check in at the visitor center to receive the fishing permit. 
    
  • The following documents are required: Driver's license, Valid New Mexico fishing license, and Proof of reservation including the confirmation number (This can be a digital document).
    
  • All individuals require a reservation and permit: If you want to fish with friends or family even if they are NOT fishing, they must book the time and obtain a permit. The three-people-per-beat limit remains in force whether fishing or not.
    
  • No Pets: There are no pets permitted on the river.
    
  • Violations: Law enforcement park rangers patrol the river. You may be cited if you wander from your assigned beat OR if you exceed the permit end time. Anglers must check in at the Visitor Center upon departure.
    
  • Accessibility: If you have an accessibility need, please call the park prior to making your reservation 505-757-7272.
    
  • Safety Risks and Stream Flow Variation: Check streamflow levels by visiting the USGS National Water Information System web page. The Pecos River may experience dangerous in stream flow after melting of snow pack or rainfall in the valley or the headwaters. These variations can pose a danger to anglers. Monitor stream flow for your safety on the river.
    
  • Fishing License Requirements: All anglers must possess a valid New Mexico Department of Game and Fish fishing license with Habitat Management and Access validations.
    
  • What to Bring: Fishing gear, fishing vest, rain gear, extra line, sunscreen and lip balm, hat, sunglasses, drinking water, lunches or snacks, extra layer of clothing binoculars for wildlife viewing, cell phone, trash bag.
    
  • LIMITS:
  • 1. Catch and Keep “Non-Native” Species to include, Brown Trout, Brook Trout and Rainbow Trout.
    • Anglers are allowed to keep a total of 5 fish per day from the park. Anglers must follow state regulations on possession limits. 
  • 2. Catch-and-release of all “Native” Species of Fish.
  • 3. ALL “native” fish species caught must be immediately returned to the water.
    
  • FISHING METHOD, EQUIPMENT and BAIT:
  • 1. Fishing is permitted only by use of one handheld rod and line.
  • 2. Only artificial flies or lures with a single hook may be used. A barbed hook may be used. Only one fly or lure per line is permitted. The use of more than two flies per line is prohibited.
  • 3. The possession of any bait other than artificial flies or lures is prohibited.
  • 4. Anglers must attempt to land fish without delay, use a landing net and avoid dragging fish on to the bank.
  • 5. No bait such as worms, grasshoppers, salmon eggs, corn, etc, are allowed.
  • 6. Fishing in closed waters or violating a condition or restriction established by the superintendent is prohibited.
    
  • Trash: Pack out all trash.
    
  • No Commercial Outfitters or Guides: No commercial guiding allowed.
    
  • No Fires: No open fires are allowed in the park.
    
  • No Smoking: Smoking is prohibited except within designated areas.
    
  • Disinfect Gear After Fishing: To prevent the spread of aquatic pests, disinfect gear by removing mud, snails algae and debris from boots when leaving the river. Soak nets, boots and waders in 10% bleach solution for 10 minutes. Air dry 48 hours before re-use.

Booking Windows

Pecos NHP conducts spring, summer, and fall fishing seasons. Seasons are typically announced in the spring. Go to https://www.nps.gov/peco/planyourvisit/fishing.htm for date information as it is released.

Fishing seasons are put up on Recreation.gov well in advance, and individual dates are released for reservation 30 days in advance. So, for reservations on May 31, the date opens up for tickets on May 2.

Reservations must be made through Recreation.gov. No reservations are available at the park.

Changes and Cancellations

No refunds on or after the day of arrival. See Facility Rates for fees.

Contact Information

Mailing Address

PO Box 418 Pecos NM 87552

Phone Number

505-757-7200

Available Tours and Tickets

• Beat 1
• Beat 2
• Beat 3

Photo Gallery

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