Fishing Derby Registration Lottery Opens Sept. 11
Sign up for the Fishing Derby registration lottery beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, September 11.
Entries close at 9:00 p.m. on Monday, September 14.
Participation is limited to City of Santa Fe residents, and spots will be awarded through a random selection process.
2026 Fishing Derby at Nichols Reservoir
Join the City of Santa Fe for a Fishing Derby at Nichols Reservoir on Saturday, September 26.
The Fishing Derby provides an opportunity for the next generation to experience an important part of Santa Fe's watershed firsthand and learn about the responsibility we all share in protecting this resource for the future.
Nichols Reservoir is part of the Upper Santa Fe River Watershed, an important component of Santa Fe's water supply and natural environment.
- Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
- Location: Nichols Reservoir
- Participation: Advance reservation required
- Capacity: Up to 300 participants
- Registration Lottery: Details below
Fishing Derby Information
The Fishing Derby is open only to City of Santa Fe residents. Participation is limited, and spots will be awarded through a registration lottery.
The event can accommodate up to 150 children, each with one accompanying adult. Each lottery entry is limited to one child and one accompanying adult.
Step 1: Enter the Lottery
The registration lottery opens at 9 a.m. on Friday, September 11, and closes at 9 p.m. on Monday, September 14.
Enter Registration LotteryStep 2: Random Selection
After the registration period closes, participants will be randomly selected from the entries received.
Step 3: Notification
Those selected for a spot will be notified by email on September 16 or 17 with additional information about participating in the Fishing Derby.
Stay Updated
Additional Fishing Derby information will be posted on this webpage as it becomes available.
Sign up for City of Santa Fe emails and follow the City on social media to receive the latest Fishing Derby updates.
Event Location:
Nichols Reservoir in the Upper Santa Fe River Watershed.
Access to the reservoir is restricted, and event transportation is being coordinated by the city.
Road Access and Parking:
Participants cannot use personal vehicles to access the area.
Final transportation, check-in, and access instructions will be provided before the event.
Nichols Reservoir is located within Santa Fe's protected upper watershed. Special requirements may apply to help protect water quality, wildlife, vegetation, and the surrounding environment.
Bait and Tackle:
Permitted bait, tackle, hooks, and other fishing equipment requirements are still being determined. Participants should review the final event guidelines before purchasing or bringing fishing supplies.
Fishing Access:
Fishing may be limited to designated areas along the reservoir shoreline. Participants will be expected to remain within authorized event areas and follow instructions from event staff.
Additional environmental protections and fishing restrictions will be posted here as they are finalized.
The City of Santa Fe is coordinating with community and watershed partners in preparation for the Fishing Derby.
Partners and Stakeholders:
- Santa Fe Watershed Association
- U.S. Forest Service
- Tesuque Pueblo
Partner and vendor information tables are also being planned as part of the event. Additional participating organizations will be added as they are confirmed.
Nichols Reservoir is part of the Upper Santa Fe River Watershed, an important component of Santa Fe's water supply and natural environment. Use the resources below to learn more about the reservoir, watershed, and Santa Fe River conditions.