Residents Encouraged to Participate in Santa Fe Saves Water Day on May 21 and Enjoy Statewide Free Fishing Day on June 4

The 2022 Fishing Derby has been postponed due to current drought conditions and low reservoir storage on the Santa Fe River. However, residents may still take advantage of Santa Fe Saves Water Day on May 21 or the statewide Free Fishing Day on June 4.

The Fishing Derby has been postponed with the support of the Santa Fe River Commission and the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF) and with respect to the guidance established in Resolution 2012-28 (Article IV, section 5), which states that the Derby will be suspended in dry years when the anticipated watershed yield is less than fifty percent. In 2019 on the day of the Fishing Derby, the Santa Fe River’s reservoirs had 88% combined water storage. As of April 18, 2022, the combined water reservoirs were at 25%, with little likelihood of adequate daily flows in the river by June.

In lieu of the Derby, residents are encouraged to participate in Santa Fe Saves Water Day on Saturday, May 21 at the Railyard Park. The event is free and full of fun events for kids and families to learn more about water and water conservation in Santa Fe. The public can also take advantage of Free Fishing Day, which will take place statewide on June 4, 2022. NMDGF states, “Anglers can fish for free in New Mexico on Saturday, June 4, as the state celebrates National Boating and Fishing Week. Anyone can fish for free in public fishing waters throughout the state, but everyone must observe bag limits and all other rules and regulations.” Maps of public fishing waters, lists of where to find family-friendly fishing, and tips on how to fish also can be found on the department website: www.wildlife.state.nm.us