RULES Fishing Tips Checklist Guides

Fishing Rules

General Fishing Rules
San Antonio Creek Fishing Rules
East Fork Fishing Rules

General Fishing Rules

Every angler will receive mandatory safety and rules orientation prior to fishing on the Preserve.
Anglers may arrive and leave anytime during the designated fishing times for each stream.
No pets are permitted onto the Preserve with the exception of service animals.
All anglers must have in possession a valid New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMG&F) fishing license and Habitat Management and Access Validation.
Only artificial flies and lures with single, barbless hooks are permitted.
No bait such as worms, grasshoppers, salmon eggs, corn etc. are allowed.
All fish kept must be killed immediately. Review bag limits for each area.
No open fires, including cooking fires, are allowed on the Preserve and smoking is prohibited except within designated areas. Other seasonal restrictions may be imposed.
Anglers must pack out all trash.
Safety: Cell phone reception along the East Fork is good, while reception along the San Antonio can be spotty. The phone number for the Valle Grande Staging Area will be given out during the daily angler orientations.
Be aware of those months when lightning is most likely to occur. Lightning can strike as far as 10 miles from the area where it is raining. That's about the distance you can hear thunder. If you can hear thunder, you are within striking distance. Seek safe shelter immediately. With common sense, you can greatly increase your safety and the safety of those you are with. At the first clap of thunder, go to a fully enclosed vehicle and wait 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder before you to go back outside. More lightning safety tips
Waders, wading shoes, and personal nets are prohibited; as is wading/walking in the stream. The Trust will provide nets upon request.
Reservation fees are non-refundable.
VCT staff will be patrolling the area frequently to ensure anglers are adhering to rules.

San Antonio Creek Fishing Rules

Includes all of the General Fishing Rules
The bag limit on the San Antonio Creek is five fish.
Arriving anglers MUST check in with VCT staff to receive a short orientation about fishing and driving on the VCNP.
Anglers may leave anytime they wish, but must check out by 6:00 PM with VCT staff at the Valle Grande Staging Area before leaving the Preserve.
To minimize traffic conflicts with other activities on the VCNP, once an angler leaves the San Antonio Creek fishing area he/she is done for the day. Re-entry to the San Antonio fishing area will not be permitted.
Anglers are to drive only the specified route to and from the Valle Grande Staging Area and designated parking locations within their reserved reach. As long as anglers stay within their reserved reach, they may drive to other designated parking areas throughout the day.
All individuals in vehicles traveling to designated parking locations along the San Antonio Creek must have a reservation to fish the San Antonio Creek for that day.
No pets are permitted onto the Preserve with the exception of assistance animals.
Preserve roads are narrow, dirt and/or gravel and can be very slick during and after rain storms.
To provide a quality experience for all anglers and visitors, please keep radios turned off.
The Valles Caldera Trust is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Please hide valuables or leave them at home and lock up your vehicle.
To minimize traffic conflicts with other activities on the VCNP, once an angler leaves the San Antonio Creek fishing area he/she is done for the day. Re-entry to the San Antonio fishing area will not be allowed.
To provide a quality experience for all anglers and visitors, please keep radios turned off.
The Valles Caldera Trust is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Please hide valuables or leave them at home and lock up your vehicle.

East Fork Fishing Rules

Includes all of the General Fishing Rules
This is a catch and release river. All fish must be returned back to the steam.
Arriving anglers MUST check in with VCT staff to receive a short orientation about fishing on the VCNP.
Anglers may leave anytime they wish, but must check out by 6:00 PM with VCT staff at the Valle Grande Staging Area before leaving the Preserve.
No pets are permitted onto the Preserve with the exception of assistance animals.
The Valles Caldera Trust is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Please hide valuables or leave them at home and lock up your vehicle.