Fishing at Tingley Beach

Tingley Beach has three fishing ponds which are stocked about every two weeks by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. Visit the New Mexico Game and Fish website for stocking and fishing reports, complete fishing rules  and other information.

Fishing Licenses and Rules

Fishing Ponds at Tingley

Weekly Fishing Report

Annual Free Fishing Derby

Fishing Licenses and Rules

The fishing year is April 1 to March 31. All anglers 12 and over must have a fishing license in their possession. Vendor fees are $1 per license. All the licenses listed below may be purchased at Tingley Outfitters.

*Required for anglers ages 12 - 69 for fishing on Forest Service and BLM lands

** Must be purchased separately by all anglers, hunters and trappers age 18 - 69. 100% disabled veterans are exempt.

Basic Rules for Tingley Fishing Ponds

• You are responsible for knowing and understanding New Mexico fishing rules .
• Bag limit for trout is five fish per day; bag limit for catfish is two fish per day.
• Live bait fish may NOT be used or released into the lakes. This includes, but is not restricted to, minnows, tadpoles and goldfish.
• Chumming is prohibited.
• Pole fishing only - no trotlines. A Second Rod Validation may be purchased with your fishing license, but bag limits remain the same.
• Take your catch home to clean it.

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Fishing Ponds at Tingley

The Children's Pond and the Central Pond

• The Children's Pond is for kids age 12 and younger ONLY. Adults may accompany their child but may not fish this pond themselves.
• The Central Pond is for all ages and has a ramp for wheel chair access. Preference is given to adults and children fishing with mobile disabilities.
• Both ponds are stocked with rainbow trout in the winter and channel catfish in the summer.
• Bag limit for trout is five fish per day. Bag limit for catfish is two fish per day. Tingley Beach is a Special Summer Catfish Water.
• Live worms and insects and artificial bait may be used in these two ponds.

The South Pond

• The South Pond is a Special Trout Water, catch and release only.
• Stocked with rainbow trout year-round.
• NO LIVE OR ARTIFICIAL BAIT ALLOWED. Flies and lures with single barbless hooks only.
• Practice reponsible catch and release practices:
  • Release the fish as quickly as possible.
  • Keep the fish in the water while gently removing the hook. Handling the fish out of water will remove some of its protective slime, making it vulnerable to sickness.
  • Don’t drag the fish over rocks or in the sand.

 

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Annual Free Fishing Derby

Enthusiastic anglers line the banks of the Central Pond.

Tingley Beach hosts the Annual Free Fishing Derby every year in March. This year the derby on March 8th was enjoyed by nearly 4000 participants!

Over $1000 in prizes were won by the approximately 60 anglers that caught golden and tagged trout. Prizes included spin casting reels and rods, a fly rod and reel combo, fishing vests, tackle boxes, BioPark passes, gift certificates, boxes of flies, fishing novelties, t-shirts, hats, CD's and so much more! Free jars of bait were also handed out to 100 kids just for stopping by the event tent.

If you are interested in participating in the Tingley Beach Annual Free Fishing Derby next year, be sure to check back for the latest information about activities at Tingley Beach. We are looking forward to seeing you at next year's Free Fishing Derby!

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