What special fishing regulations apply at Cochiti Lake?

Cochiti Lake carries 2 special-regulation overlays that override New Mexico's statewide 2026 rules, covering Largemouth bass. One of them reads: "Pueblo of Cochiti jurisdiction on listed reservation reaches (tribal fishing permit required for shoreline access); largemouth bass 5 / day, 14 in min; crappie 30 / day no min; channel catfish 15 / day combined no min — federal NPS / Bureau-administered overlay." Every overlay on this water body is listed in full above.

Do I need a fishing license to fish Cochiti Lake?

Yes. Cochiti Lake is in New Mexico, so a valid New Mexico fishing license is required just as it is anywhere else in the state, issued by New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF). The special regulations on this page change the bag, size, slot, or gear rules for Cochiti Lake; they do not waive the license requirement. Free-fishing days and youth exemptions follow the statewide New Mexico rules.

Do Cochiti Lake's special rules replace New Mexico's statewide limits?

Only where they conflict. New Mexico's statewide 2026 regulations apply on Cochiti Lake by default; the overlays above replace the matching statewide rules for the species or gear they name, while everything not specifically overridden still follows the statewide rule. When a water-body rule and the statewide rule disagree, the water-body rule wins.

Which species have special rules on Cochiti Lake?

Largemouth bass has a water-body-specific rule on Cochiti Lake, each linking to its full New Mexico regulations above. Species not listed here follow the statewide New Mexico limits.

2026 regulation year

Cochiti Lake 2026 — New Mexico Fishing Regulations

New Mexico statewide rules apply unless overridden below.

Last updated May 30, 2026

Cochiti Lake carries 2 special-regulation overlays on top of New Mexico's 2026 fishing rules — covering Largemouth bass. Verify the agency booklet before launching: in-season changes are not yet wired to this page.

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State-level special regulation

Pueblo of Cochiti jurisdiction on listed reservation reaches (tribal fishing permit required for shoreline access); largemouth bass 5 / day, 14 in min; crappie 30 / day no min; channel catfish 15 / day combined no min — federal NPS / Bureau-administered overlay
Source: New Mexico special-water list

Per-species rules on Cochiti Lake

Largemouth bass regulations →
5 / day, 14 in min (statewide); Pueblo of Cochiti tribal jurisdiction on shoreline reaches

Official source

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF) publishes the authoritative 2026 New Mexico fishing regulations. Special-regulation lakes and rivers are listed in the agency booklet — always verify before fishing.

Visit official New Mexico fishing regulations →

Emergency-order channel

In-season closures, slot-limit changes, and run-count-driven harvest pauses are posted to New Mexico Department of Game and Fish's emergency-order feed — check it before any New Mexico trip during the active season.

Other special-regulation waters in New Mexico

Browse all water bodies →

Frequently asked questions

What special fishing regulations apply at Cochiti Lake?: Cochiti Lake carries 2 special-regulation overlays that override New Mexico's statewide 2026 rules, covering Largemouth bass. One of them reads: "Pueblo of Cochiti jurisdiction on listed reservation reaches (tribal fishing permit required for shoreline access); largemouth bass 5 / day, 14 in min; crappie 30 / day no min; channel catfish 15 / day combined no min — federal NPS / Bureau-administered overlay." Every overlay on this water body is listed in full above.
Do I need a fishing license to fish Cochiti Lake?: Yes. Cochiti Lake is in New Mexico, so a valid New Mexico fishing license is required just as it is anywhere else in the state, issued by New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF). The special regulations on this page change the bag, size, slot, or gear rules for Cochiti Lake; they do not waive the license requirement. Free-fishing days and youth exemptions follow the statewide New Mexico rules.
Do Cochiti Lake's special rules replace New Mexico's statewide limits?: Only where they conflict. New Mexico's statewide 2026 regulations apply on Cochiti Lake by default; the overlays above replace the matching statewide rules for the species or gear they name, while everything not specifically overridden still follows the statewide rule. When a water-body rule and the statewide rule disagree, the water-body rule wins.
Which species have special rules on Cochiti Lake?: Largemouth bass has a water-body-specific rule on Cochiti Lake, each linking to its full New Mexico regulations above. Species not listed here follow the statewide New Mexico limits.

← Back to New Mexico regulations overview