Cash prize winner at Oasis State Park in 2017. Courtesy photo

Cash prize winner at Oasis State Park, March 2025. Courtesy photo

NMSP News:

PORTALES — New Mexico State Parks will host an annual fishing derby at Oasis State Park from 9 a.m.–3 p.m., Saturday, March 21.

The event is held in partnership with the Oasis State Parks Friends’ Group and the New Mexico Department of Wildlife, which will stock the park pond with 800 rainbow trout measuring approximately 10 inches, to create a high-quality fishing opportunity for anglers.

“For many families, this could be the moment a child catches their very first fish,” said Toby Velásquez, State Parks division director. “Experiences like that stay with people for a lifetime, and partnerships like this help us make long-lasting memories possible in state parks.”

“The Department of Wildlife is excited to help with this event by providing rainbow trout for participants to catch,” New Mexico Department of Wildlife director Mike Sloane said. “Events like Saturday’s fishing derby help connect people to fishing, conservation and the many outdoor traditions that make New Mexico special.”

Registration and Requirements:

Registration fee: $5 per participant
Fishing license: Required for anglers age 12 and older
Get your fishing license online at: https://wildlife.dgf.nm.gov/fishing/licenses-permits/requirements-fees/
Park entry: FREE for New Mexico resident vehicles and $10 per vehicle for out-of-state visitors.

Media are invited to attend to capture trout stocking, anglers participating in the derby, and interviews about fisheries management and outdoor recreation in eastern New Mexico. For more information call Oasis State Park at 575.356.5331.

Cash prize winner at Oasis State Park, March 2025. Courtesy photo