Fishing at Tingley Beach

Web editor Tips & techniques

Located adjacent to the Rio Grande Bosque, Tingley Beach consists of three fishing ponds that are open to the public, free of charge, from dawn to dusk. The street address is 1800 Tingley Drive SW.

New Mexico Fishing Rules apply. All anglers age 12 and over are required to have a valid New Mexico fishing license. New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF) representatives and/or ABQ BioPark Security monitor for license compliance. Visit the New Mexico Game and Fish website for stocking and fishing reports, complete fishing rules and other information. The Zoo and BioPark train stops at the Tingley Beach depot. Restrooms are available in the depot.

Tingley Beach also offers wildlife watching, paths for running and walking, and boating opportunities. Please be respectful of other users, the environment and waterfowl by observing Tingley Beach rules and regulations.

Fishing

Central Pond (like the name implies, the middle pond)

  • Tingley’s largest water body, is designed for all ages.
  • It is stocked with rainbow trout in the winter and channel catfish in the summer.
  • The pond is equipped with a wheelchair ramp in front of the Train Station. Preference for the ramp is given to adults and children fishing with mobility disabilities.
  • Bag limit is four trout per day and two catfish per day.
  • Live worms and insects and artificial bait may be used in the Central Pond.
  • NMDGF stocks this pond on a regular basis.

Children’s Pond (northern pond)

  • This pond is for anglers age 12 and younger ONLY. Adults may accompany their child but may not fish this pond themselves.
  • NMDGF stocks this pond on a regular basis.
  • Central Pond rules apply to the Children’s Pond.

Bob Gerding Catch and Release Pond (southern pond)

  • This pond is designated Special Trout Water, catch and release only. Anglers are allowed to use flies and lures with single barbless hooks.
  • This pond is stocked once per year with rainbow trout.

Catch and Release Pond Rules:

  • Catch and release fishing only. WET YOUR HANDS before handling fish and keep your fish in pond water while gently removing the hook.
  • No live or artificial bait.
  • Flies and lures with single barbless hooks only.
  • Don’t drag the fish over rocks or in the sand.
  • Release fish as quickly as possible.

Updated April 2019 by David Marsh. Photo from Wikimedia Commons.