New Mexico Wildlife magazine Conserving New Mexico's Wildlife for Future Generations
Anglers in New Mexico are very fortunate to have such diverse fishing opportunities, especially when it comes to trout. With five different trout species all within a few hours of each other, catching part or all of them can be quite the challenge.
In January 2020, the Department of Game and Fish launched the New Mexico Trout Challenge. This challenge, which is the first of its kind for New Mexico, encourages anglers in our state to catch five of New Mexico’s trout species. The five trout species that anglers will be challenged to catch are the Rio Grande cutthroat trout, Gila trout, brown trout, brook trout and rainbow trout.
Anglers who choose to participate in the challenge will need to download an application on their smart phone or tablet to track their progress. Information such as the lake or stream where the fish was caught, how much the fish weighs along with a picture of the fish are just a few examples of what will be required from anglers. For anglers who do not have a smart phone or tablet, there will be alternative ways to enter this information such as calling the information center or by submitting the information via email or regular mail.
There is no time limit to complete the challenge and every angler that completes the challenge will receive a New Mexico Trout Challenge coin for bragging rights.
“This challenge will not only test the fishing abilities of trout anglers across the state, it will be a great way for fellow anglers to have some friendly fishing competition for bragging rights,” said Kirk Patten, chief of fisheries management for the Department.
Check out the New Mexico Trout Challenge website for the official rules of the New Mexico Trout Challenge and see if you can be the first of your friends and family to complete it.
