Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
Hunting and Fishing on the Santa Fe National Forest is a world-class experience.
Lake and Pond Fishing
River and Stream Fishing
With nearly 1000 miles of streams and nearly 20 fish-bearing lakes, the Santa Fe National Forest offers a variety of fishing experiences. You can try backpack fly fishing in the wilderness or a family experience at established fishing areas.
You will find waters that provide warm and cold-water fish habitat. The New Mexico State Fish, Rio Grande cutthroat trout, can be found in some remote areas. Whatever type of experience you are looking for, you will likely find it on or near the Santa Fe National Forest. So, get your fishing license, clean your tackle and head for the waters of your national forests.
A weekly fishing report is available from New Mexico Dept of Game and Fish.
Hunting
Santa Fe National Forest is home to some of the best big game trophies in the country. One of the only places in New Mexico to hunt Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep, the Pecos Wilderness sustains one of the only transplant populations of this diminishing species.
A very popular activity on the forest both for locals and hunters from all over the world, hunting occurs only at specific times of the year. The New Mexico Dept. of Game and Fish provides information on permits, species and hunt dates.
Search for Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Opportunities
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Baker Flat Picnic Site
Situated in the Gallinas Canyon next to Gallinas Creek. Some suggested uses: picnicking, fishing. Facilities: 5 picnicking units, vaulted toilet, tables, trash bins, and fire pits. Special…
Battleship Rock Picnic Site
This picnic area is located where the San Antonio and East Fork-Jemez Rivers meet. The picnic area is named for the nearby rock formation known as Battleship Rock. Open sun-up to sun-down, the…
Big Eddy Boat Take-out
Important Note: Flows are variable and may not be boatable at times. Check USGS gages before your trip to ensure you have up-to-date flow…
Big Pine Picnic Site
Big Pine Picnic Site is situated next to the Gallinas River in a beautiful Ponderosa Pine mixed conifer forest. Suggested uses: Picnicking, Fishing.Facilities: vault toilet, trash bins, tables,…
Bluffs Fishing Site
The Bluffs Fishing Site offers parking and access to the Lower Jemez River. Located on the Jemez Mountain Trail National Scenic Byway (NM HWY 4), approximately five miles south of Jemez…
Chavez Canyon Boat Launch
Important Note: Flows are variable and may not be boatable at times. Check USGS gages before your trip to ensure you have up-to-date flow…
Clear Creek Campground
Elk and deer in the surrounding forest, fish in the Rio de las Vacas and proximity to San Pedro Parks Wilderness make this campground at 8,500' in elevation a veritable spring, summer and fall…
Clear Creek Picnic Site
Clear Creek Picnic Area offers visitors tables and grills. This is an accessible site accomodating vistors with disabilities. There is a vault toilet.
Cowles Campground
Cowles Campground sits at the base of the Winsor Canyon where it meets the Pecos Canyon and is near Cowles Ponds, Winsor Creek, Pecos River, and Winsor Ridge Trailhead.Note: campground shelters are…
Cowles Ponds Fishing Site
Situated in the Pecos Canyon, the Cowles Ponds are next to the Wild and Scenic Pecos River and are surrounded by coniferous forests and grassy meadows. Uses: Fishing.Facilities: Vault toilet at…