Hunting unit · Northeast NM
Game Management Unit 46
Forested east slope of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in Mora County — high ridges, canyons and foothill transition.
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Forested east slope of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in Mora County — high ridges, canyons and foothill transition.
Rio Valdez is a river in north-central New Mexico's Pecos Wilderness designated as Special Trout Water (Red chile), accessible from 0.25 miles below Smith Cabin upstream to its headwaters. The segment is managed for Rio Grande cutthroat trout under strict catch-and-release rules; only artificial fly or lure with a single barbless hook is permitted. A valid New Mexico fishing license is required. Managed by the USFS Pecos-Las Vegas Ranger District and the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. Photography is permitted.
The Pecos River above Pecos Falls in north-central New Mexico's Pecos Wilderness carries a Special Trout Water designation (Red chile), protecting native Rio Grande cutthroat trout habitat. The segment is catch-and-release only; only artificial fly or lure with a single barbless hook is permitted. A valid New Mexico fishing license is required. Managed by the USFS Pecos-Las Vegas Ranger District and the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. Photography is permitted.
Rio Santa Barbara in north-central New Mexico holds a Special Trout Water designation (Red chile, non-native suppression) from the West Fork and Middle Fork confluence upstream to the headwaters, including the East Fork. The watershed supports Rio Grande cutthroat trout and brown trout under split regulations: native cutthroat are catch-and-release only, while non-native trout may be kept without limit; only artificial fly or lure with a single barbless hook is permitted. A valid New Mexico fishing license is required. Managed by the USFS Camino Real Ranger District and the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. Photography is permitted.
From fish migration barrier located about 0.3 miles above confluence with Rito Sebadilloses upstream to headwaters including Rito de los Chimayosos Special Trout Water designation: Red chile, non-native suppression. Regulations: Catch-and-release (Native), unlimited (NN), artificial fly or lure with single barbless hook.
Trampas Lakes in the Pecos Wilderness of north-central New Mexico are backcountry fishing waters reached by traveling Highway 76 to Forest Road 207, then hiking Trail 36 to the lake. Open for fishing; photography is permitted. Stocking status, species, and license requirements are not specified; check the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish for current regulations before visiting.
West Fork Luna Creek in north-central New Mexico is a Special Trout Water (Red chile designation) from the Carson National Forest boundary upstream to its headwaters, managed by the USFS Camino Real Ranger District. Non-native suppression is active; catch-and-release applies to native fish, with unlimited harvest of non-native fish allowed, using only an artificial fly or lure with a single barbless hook. A New Mexico fishing license is required. Photography is permitted.
Iron Gate Trailhead is a high-elevation trailhead in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains within Santa Fe National Forest's Pecos-Las Vegas Ranger District, located 23 miles north of Pecos via NM 63 and rough Forest Road 223 (high-clearance vehicles recommended). Situated above 9,000 feet, it provides access to Hamilton Mesa Trail and panoramic Pecos Wilderness views. Day hiking, backpacking, and horseback riding are permitted; potable water is unavailable, and a vault toilet serves the area. Open seasonally May–November, weather permitting.
Jack's Creek in north-central New Mexico carries a Special Trout Water designation (Red chile) from the waterfalls located 0.25 miles downstream of the NM 63 crossing upstream to its headwaters. The creek supports Rio Grande cutthroat trout on a catch-and-release basis; only artificial fly or lure with a single barbless hook is permitted. A valid New Mexico fishing license is required. Managed by the USFS Pecos-Las Vegas Ranger District and the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. Photography is permitted.
Palociento Creek in north-central New Mexico holds a Special Trout Water designation (Red chile, non-native suppression) from its confluence with Rito de las Olla upstream to its headwaters. The creek supports Rio Grande cutthroat trout and brown trout under split regulations: native cutthroat are catch-and-release only, while non-native trout may be kept without limit; only artificial fly or lure with a single barbless hook is permitted. A valid New Mexico fishing license is required. Managed by the USFS Camino Real Ranger District and the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. Photography is permitted.
Burro Basin Trailhead is located at the end of Forest Road 263 in the Pecos-Las Vegas Ranger District, Santa Fe National Forest, north-central New Mexico. Managed by USDA Forest Service. The site currently permits parking, hiking, backpacking, and horseback riding; however, the trailhead is closed due to post-fire danger from Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon impacts. No restrooms or potable water are available at this location.
Frijoles Creek in north-central New Mexico holds a Special Trout Water designation (Red chile, non-native suppression) from its confluence with Rito de las Olla upstream to its headwaters. The creek supports Rio Grande cutthroat trout and brown trout under split regulations: native cutthroat are catch-and-release only, while non-native trout may be kept without limit; only artificial fly or lure with a single barbless hook is permitted. A valid New Mexico fishing license is required. Managed by the USFS Camino Real Ranger District and the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. Photography is permitted.