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Do you need a Colorado fishing license?
Yes. Anglers age 16 and older must have a current Colorado fishing license to fish in public waters. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) issues all fishing licenses, habitat stamps, and second-rod stamps.
Children 15 and under fish free with no license required. Every license buyer age 18 to 64 must also purchase a Habitat Stamp, which funds wildlife habitat work statewide.
Colorado fishing license cost in 2026
A resident annual fishing license costs $46.91, plus a Habitat Stamp of $11.45 (required once per year for ages 18-64). A non-resident annual license is $111.43, also with the Habitat Stamp.
Short-term: a 1-day fishing license is $17.32 for residents or non-residents, additional days are $7.86 each. Senior residents 65+ pay $11.45 for an annual license. Youth ages 16-17 pay $11.45 for an annual license.
Add-ons: a Second Rod Stamp is $11.45 annually, and a Combination Small-Game/Fishing License saves money for residents who hunt. A Low-Income Senior Lifetime Combination License is $11.45 for qualifying seniors.
Where to buy a Colorado fishing license
Buy online at cpw.state.co.us, the official CPW portal. Licenses can be printed or stored in the CPW mobile app. You can also buy at 1-800-244-5613.
In person, licenses are sold at CPW offices, state park visitor centers, sporting goods stores, Walmart, Bass Pro Shops, and more than 600 license agents statewide. Licenses are valid from April 1 through March 31 of the following year.
Colorado free fishing days in 2026
Colorado's Free Fishing Weekend is Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7, 2026. Residents and non-residents can fish all public waters without a license or habitat stamp during these two days.
All other regulations remain in force, including bag limits, special-water rules, and Gold Medal Water restrictions. CPW hosts free clinics, casting lessons, and stocking events at state parks during the weekend.
Key Colorado fishing regulations
Trout limits are 4 per day in most waters, with special slot limits on Gold Medal Waters like the Fryingpan, South Platte at Cheesman Canyon, and the Taylor below Taylor Park Reservoir. Many tailwaters and Wild Trout Waters require artificial flies and lures only, catch-and-release.
Bass limits are 5 per day on most reservoirs. Walleye limits are 5 daily on most lakes with an 18-inch minimum on Cherry Creek, Pueblo, and Standley. Kokanee snagging is permitted in fall on Blue Mesa, Granby, and selected reservoirs.
Whirling disease and invasive species rules require boat inspections at major reservoirs. Felt-soled wading boots are banned to prevent disease spread.
Best fishing in Colorado
The Fryingpan River below Ruedi Reservoir is a Gold Medal trout fishery famous for its dense population of large rainbow and brown trout. The South Platte at Cheesman Canyon and Dream Stream is another iconic Gold Medal stretch.
Blue Mesa Reservoir is the kokanee salmon capital of Colorado and produces big lake trout. Spinney Mountain Reservoir, Eleven Mile, and Antero offer trophy stillwater trout, while Pueblo Reservoir holds walleye, wiper, and bass.
Find more Colorado waters in GilledIt's directory at /us/fishing-pond-directory/colorado.
Frequently Asked Questions
A resident annual license is $46.91 and a non-resident is $111.43, both plus an $11.45 Habitat Stamp. A 1-day license is $17.32, with additional days at $7.86.
Anglers age 16 and older need a Colorado fishing license. Kids 15 and under fish free. Habitat Stamps are required for license buyers ages 18 to 64.
Colorado's Free Fishing Weekend is June 6-7, 2026. No license or habitat stamp is needed, but bag, size, and Gold Medal Water rules still apply.
Colorado offers 1-day, additional-day, annual resident, annual non-resident, senior, youth, combo small-game/fishing, and reduced-fee licenses for qualifying low-income seniors.
Colorado does not sell a standard lifetime fishing license, but qualifying low-income residents 64 and older may receive a Low-Income Senior Lifetime Combination License.
A Habitat Stamp is a $11.45 add-on required for most license buyers ages 18 to 64. It funds wildlife habitat acquisition and conservation work across Colorado.