Pecos National Historical Park Fishing Reservations
Pecos National Historical Park
The 2026 season will run from July 1 to October 31, 2026. NEW in 2026 - fishing will be allowed 7 days a week.
People have fished in the beautiful Pecos River for centuries. Today, Pecos National Historical Park manages a recreational fishing program to continue this traditional use and to fulfill the park’s mission of providing for public enjoyment. During the summer and fall, the park offers reservations for fishing along the three miles of river that run through the park.
With reservations available for four people on each mile-long section (or “beat”) per day, anglers have the opportunity for a quiet day of fly-fishing or spin-casting in the natural landscape. Be prepared for a more wilderness-like experience: cottonwoods and cliff walls shadow the river, thick stand of willows line much of the banks, and there are no formal trails along the beats. Note that Beats 1 and 2 begin only a few hundred yards from the parking area; Beat 3 requires a strenuous, 1.25-mile hike on a trail through open pasture to reach the river.
Additional details about fishing regulations, native species, and frequently asked questions are available on the park website: Fishing - Pecos National Historical Park (U.S. National Park Service).
The 2026 season will run from July 1 to October 31, 2026. NEW in 2026 - fishing will be allowed 7 days a week.
People have fished in the beautiful Pecos River for centuries. Today, Pecos National Historical Park manages a recreational fishing program to continue this traditional use and to fulfill the park’s mission of providing for public enjoyment. During the summer and fall, the park offers reservations for fishing along the three miles of river that run through the park.
With reservations available for four people on each mile-long section (or “beat”) per day, anglers have the opportunity for a quiet day of fly-fishing or spin-casting in the natural landscape. Be prepared for a more wilderness-like experience: cottonwoods and cliff walls shadow the river, thick stand of willows line much of the banks, and there are no formal trails along the beats. Note that Beats 1 and 2 begin only a few hundred yards from the parking area; Beat 3 requires a strenuous, 1.25-mile hike on a trail through open pasture to reach the river.
Additional details about fishing regulations, native species, and frequently asked questions are available on the park website: Fishing - Pecos National Historical Park (U.S. National Park Service).
Need to Know
- Season Dates
The 2026 season will run from July 1 to October 31, 2026. NEW in 2026 - fishing will be allowed 7 days a week.
- Check In and Out Required
Check-In. Anglers must check in at the visitor center before heading to the river. Check-in must take place during visitor center hours (opens at 8:30am); earlier check-in is not available. During check-in, park staff will confirm the reservation, review fishing licenses, and provide directions and parking placards.
Check-Out. Anglers must check out at the visitor center at the end of their fishing day, before the visitor center closes at 4pm. Anglers should be off the water by 3pm, and check out at the visitor center no later than 4pm.
- Fishing License Required
Anyone fishing who is 12 years and older must have a valid NM Fishing License, and must show this license (either on paper or digitally) when checking in. Note that there are no license vendors in Pecos; anglers should get their license, either online, by phone (1-888-248-6866), or at a registered license vendor, before coming to the park.
- Use of Bait Prohibited
The use or possession of all live or dead organic baits is prohibited at Pecos NHP. Such baits include but are not limited to fish or fish parts, minnows, salamanders (“water dogs”), salmon eggs, worms, or foodstuffs such as bread and corn. Scented attractants (liquid and solid baits) are not allowed.
- Fishing Regulations
It is anglers’ responsibility to be aware of all relevant regulations; for more information, visit Fishing - Pecos National Historical Park (U.S. National Park Service).
- Prevent Aquatic Hitchhikers
Help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species by cleaning and drying all your fishing equipment before and after use. Find out more here: Aquatic Invasive Species - Fish & Fishing (U.S. National Park Service).
Booking Windows
The 2026 season will run from July 1 to October 31, 2026. NEW in 2026 - fishing will be allowed 7 days a week.
Reservations: Reservations are available up to 30 days in advance starting at 6am MT. (For example, reservations for July 31 would open on July 2 at 6am MT). Reservations may be booked until 10am on the day of arrival.
You may book reservations for one to four people. Not everyone has to fish, but everyone has to be included in the reservation, whether they will be fishing or not. There is a maximum of four people per beat, per day. If members of your party are no longer able to come, please consider changing your reservation accordingly to open up spots for others.
You must book reservations through Recreation.gov. Park staff cannot book, change, or cancel reservations.
Changes and Cancellations
Changes or cancellations must be made through Recreation.Gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Park staff are not able to make changes, cancellations, or updates to your reservation.
Note that the $1 administrative fee is not refundable under any circumstances. Anglers are still encouraged to cancel or change their reservation if they or members of their party are no longer able to fish, to open up spots for others. (There is no additional fee for cancellation; the listed fee is deducted from the $1 already paid.)
Contact Information
Mailing Address
PO Box 418 Pecos NM 87552
Phone Number
505-757-7241
