Colorado Fishing License and Regulations
CPW license and stamp fees, the 2026 statewide chart with its drainage zones, gear rules and state-line waters.
For weighing a catchPiscifun Lip gripper with digital scale27% OFFSale $39.99 Photo of Dolores River: Steven Baltakatei Sandoval, CC BY-SA 4.0
Who has to carry a Colorado fishing license
Adults: People 16 and older are required to buy and carry a physical fishing license (or My CPW app accessible license) to fish or take fish, amphibians and crustaceans on their person, except where prohibited.
All youth under 16 can take a full bag and possession limit without a license. All youth fishing with a second line must also purchase a second-rod stamp.
Annual fishing licenses are valid March 1 through March 31 (13 months). Annual licenses go on sale March 1 each year.
CPW Fishing Licenses and Dates page, retrieved October 25, 2026; fees match the brochure, page 1.
Colorado fishing license and stamp prices
| License or stamp | Fee | Residency | Valid | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Adult Annual Fishing License | $44.87 | resident | Annual: March 1-March 31 the next year (13 months) | 18-63 |
| Resident Senior Annual Fishing License | $12.96 | resident | Annual: March 1-March 31 the next year (13 months) | 64+ |
| Resident Youth Fishing License | $12.96 | resident | Annual: March 1-March 31 the next year (13 months) | 16-17 |
| Resident Small Game and Fishing Combo | $64.02 | resident | Annual: March 1-March 31 the next year (13 months) | |
| Resident Senior Small Game and Fishing Combo | $38.03 | resident | Annual: March 1-March 31 the next year (13 months) | 64+ |
| Senior Annual Small Game Upgrade for Lifetime Fishing and Resident Low Income Senior Fishing Annual License Holders | $27.82 | resident | Annual: March 1-March 31 the next year (13 months) | |
| Resident One-day Fishing | $18.07 | resident | 1 day | |
| Resident Additional-day Fishing | $9.13 | resident | 1 additional day | |
| Nonresident Annual Fishing License | $124.01 | nonresident | Annual: March 1-March 31 the next year (13 months) | 16+ |
| Nonresident Five-day Fishing License | $41.04 | nonresident | 5 days | 16+ |
| Nonresident One-day Fishing | $21.90 | nonresident | 1 day | 16+ |
| Nonresident Additional-day Fishing | $9.13 | nonresident | 1 additional day | |
| Columbine Lifetime Fishing License | free | resident | Lifetime | |
| First Responder Lifetime Small Game and Fishing Combination | free | resident | Lifetime | |
| Veteran Lifetime Fishing / Small Game and Fishing Combination (VA combo) | free | resident | Lifetime | |
| Second-rod Stamp | $14.24 | resident and nonresident | Per season (one stamp allowed per season) | |
| Annual Habitat Stamp (nonrefundable) | $12.76 | resident and nonresident | March 1-March 31 (13 months) | 18-64 |
| Lifetime Habitat Stamp | $384.16 | resident and nonresident | Lifetime | |
| Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Stamp – Resident | $25.00 | resident | Annual | |
| Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Stamp – Nonresident | $50.00 | nonresident | Annual | |
| Commercial (bait) license | $40.00 | all | Annual |
All license fees include a $1.25 search-and-rescue fee and a $1.50 fee for the Wildlife Education Fund.
CPW prints no price for a resident five-day license or for the low-income senior license on the pages read, so neither is shown.
CPW Fishing Licenses and Dates page, retrieved October 25, 2026; fees match the brochure, page 1.
Colorado Habitat, second-rod and ANS stamps
- Habitat Stamps are $12.76 and only one is required per person, per year for anyone ages 18–64. Stamps are valid March 1–March 31 (13 months). ■ You must purchase a stamp before buying or applying for a hunting or fishing license. ■ A lifetime stamp is available for $384.16. ■ Anyone who is approved in the Columbine, First Responder, Veteran and/or Big Game …Habitat Stamp, p. 2
- ■ Second-rod stamp: Anglers can use a second rod, handline or tip-up by purchasing a second-rod stamp. One stamp is allowed per season and is nontransferable. A second-rod stamp does not entitle an angler to an additional bag limit, nor can it be used for another person to fish. a. Those with disability licenses must purchase a stamp if fishing with a …second-rod stamp, p. 1
- Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Stamp required for motorboats and sailboats: Residents annual $25.00; Nonresidents annual $50.00.ANS stamp, p. 1
- ■ Seniors: Colorado residents age 64 and older can obtain an annual senior fishing license for $12.96 or an annual senior combo small game/fishing license for $38.03, both of which include the New $1.25 backcountry search-and-rescue fee and the $1.50 Wildlife Education Fund fee. License must be …seniors, p. 1
- ■ Armed forces exemption: Colorado residents on active duty with U.S. armed forces out of state can fish free without a license while here on temporary leave, maximum of 30 days a year. You must carry official leave papers while fishing.armed forces, p. 1
2026 Colorado Fishing brochure (Colorado Parks and Wildlife),, retrieved October 25, 2026.
The 2026 Colorado statewide limits chart
| Species | Zone | Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Trout, Arctic Char, Grayling, Salmon, Mountain Whitefish (except kokanee) | Statewide | Daily bag 4, possession 8, in aggregate |
| Brook Trout | Statewide | Daily bag 10, possession 10 |
| Kokanee Salmon | Statewide | Daily bag 10, possession 10 |
| Walleye, Saugeye, Sauger | Statewide | Daily bag 5, possession 5, in aggregate |
| Walleye, Saugeye, Sauger | Arkansas and South Fork of Republican River drainages | Daily bag 10, possession 10, in aggregate |
| Bass: Largemouth, Smallmouth, Spotted | Statewide | Daily bag 5, possession 5, in aggregate |
| Bass: Smallmouth | West of Continental Divide | No bag or possession limit |
| Bass: White, Striped, Wiper | Statewide | Daily bag 10, possession 10, in aggregate |
| Bass: White, Striped, Wiper | Arkansas and South Fork of Republican River drainages | Daily bag 20, possession 20, in aggregate |
| Catfish: Channel, Flathead, Blue | Statewide | Daily bag 10, possession 10, in aggregate |
| Crappie: White, Black | Statewide | Daily bag 20, possession 20, in aggregate |
| Bluegill, Hybrid Bluegill, Green Sunfish, Redear Sunfish, Pumpkinseed Sunfish | Statewide | Daily bag 20, possession 20, in aggregate |
| Yellow Perch | West of Continental Divide | No bag or possession limit |
| Yellow Perch | East of Continental Divide | Daily bag 20, possession 20 |
| Tiger Muskie | Statewide | Daily bag 1, possession 1; at least 36 inches long |
| Northern Pike, Bullhead | Statewide | No bag or possession limit |
| Speckled Dace, Sculpin | West of Continental Divide | Daily bag 20, possession 20, in aggregate |
| Speckled Dace, Sculpin | East of Continental Divide | No bag or possession limit |
| Crayfish (Crawdads), Bullfrogs | Statewide | No bag or possession limit |
| Aquatic Tiger Salamander Larvae | Statewide | Daily bag 50, possession 50 |
| Threatened, endangered and nongame species | Statewide | Must be returned to the water immediately (take prohibited) |
Season dates: Colorado waters are open to taking fish, amphibians and crustaceans day and night, year round, except if otherwise stated in the regulation section of this brochure. See pages 11–39.
* in aggregate means the limit may consist of one species or a mixed bag of more than one species.
Daily bag limit: Maximum number of fish you can take in a day, regardless of what you do with them that day. Fish caught and placed on a stringer, in a container or live well, or not returned to the same water immediately, do count in your daily bag or possession limit. Fish released immediately are not part of the limit. Possession limit: Maximum number of fish allowed at any time, including in …
2026 Colorado Fishing brochure (Colorado Parks and Wildlife), p. 10, retrieved October 25, 2026.
Why Colorado walleye and wiper limits depend on the drainage
The map below outlines the general areas of the Arkansas and South Republican River drainages (green) and the South Platte and North Republican drainages (yellow). If you are fishing for wiper, white bass, walleye or saugeye in these areas, the daily bag and possession limits are different for the two areas on the map. See the Statewide Limits chart at right for details.
Smallmouth bass and yellow perch also differ by side of the Continental Divide: west of it neither has a bag or possession limit, and east of it perch are held to 20 a day.
2026 Colorado Fishing brochure (Colorado Parks and Wildlife), p. 10, retrieved October 25, 2026.
Colorado fishing methods and gear rules
- One personally attended line: Each line shall have only three common hooks attached.lines and hooks, p. 8
- Second-rod stamp: Anglers can use a second rod, handline or tip-up by purchasing a second-rod stamp. One stamp is allowed per season and is nontransferable. A second-rod stamp does not entitle an angler to an additional bag limit, nor can it be used for another person to fish. a. Those with disability licenses must …second rod, p. 1
- Snagging is permitted for taking kokanee salmon only, on specific waters listed in this brochure. Other species snagged must be returned to the water immediately.snagging, p. 8
- Bait may be used where permitted as a fishing aid, except by chumming.bait, p. 8
- Catch and release: Any fish released upon catch must be released alive and into the same body of water from which it was taken.release, p. 8
- Prohibited fishing methods include: Chumming, using toxicants or poisons, stupefying substances, electrofishing, explosives.banned methods, p. 8
- Trot-lines a. Permitted only on these reservoirs (as listed in this brochure): Adobe Creek, Henry, Horse Creek, John Martin, Meredith, Navajo, Nee Gronda, Nee Noshe, Nee So Pah, Queens (North and South), Thurston and Two Buttes. b. No one may use more than one trot-line. c. Must be anchored, marked at each end by …trot-lines, p. 8
- Jugs a. Permitted only on these reservoirs (as listed in this brochure): Adobe Creek, Henry, Horse Creek, John Martin, Meredith, Nee Gronda, Nee Noshe, Nee So Pah, Queens (North and South), Thurston and Two Buttes. b. Only 10 jugs are allowed for each license holder, each with only one single line and one common hook. …jugs, p. 8
- Transporting and exporting fish: The license holder must accompany any species in this brochure, or parts of game fish, that are transported within or exported from Colorado. Wildlife shipped by common carrier must be accompanied by license or photocopy of license and donation certificate, if needed.transport, p. 9
- Donating fish: You can donate edible parts of fish to like-license holders anywhere or to anyone at the recipient’s home. Donor and recipient subject to bag and possession limits. A “like-license” is a Colorado fishing license.donating fish, p. 9
- Note: It is illegal to go onto private land to fish without permission, including touching any part of private land by person or watercraft. Private land is not required to be posted or fenced. Trespassers may be suspended for up to five years.private land, p. 8
2026 Colorado Fishing brochure (Colorado Parks and Wildlife),, retrieved October 25, 2026.
Colorado state-line waters and neighboring licenses
The 2026 brochure prints no reciprocal license agreement with any neighboring state; a Colorado license is required for Colorado waters (p. 1). Waters running to the state line keep the special regulations listed below.
The brochure and the CPW license page print no reciprocal agreement with Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona and Utah.
| Water | County | Section | Rules |
|---|---|---|---|
| Animas River | La Plata | From the confluence with Hermosa Creek downstream to the state line: | No bag or possession limit for channel catfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, walleye, green sunfish, bluegill, bullhead, yellow perch or crappie. |
| Colorado River | Garfield | From the confluence with the Williams Fork River downstream to the state line: | No bag or possession limit for channel catfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, walleye, green sunfish, bluegill, bullhead, yellow perch or crappie. |
| Colorado River | Eagle | From the confluence with the Williams Fork River downstream to the state line: | No bag or possession limit for channel catfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, walleye, green sunfish, bluegill, bullhead, yellow perch or crappie. |
| Colorado River | Grand | From the confluence with the Williams Fork River downstream to the state line: | No bag or possession limit for channel catfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, walleye, green sunfish, bluegill, bullhead, yellow perch or crappie. |
| Colorado River | Mesa | From the confluence with the Williams Fork River downstream to the state line: | No bag or possession limit for channel catfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, walleye, green sunfish, bluegill, bullhead, yellow perch or crappie. |
| Dolores River | Dolores | From McPhee Dam downstream to the state line: | No bag or possession limit for channel catfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, walleye, green sunfish, bluegill, bullhead, yellow perch or crappie. |
| Dolores River | Mesa | From McPhee Dam downstream to the state line: | No bag or possession limit for channel catfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, walleye, green sunfish, bluegill, bullhead, yellow perch or crappie. |
| Dolores River | Montezuma | From McPhee Dam downstream to the state line: | No bag or possession limit for channel catfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, walleye, green sunfish, bluegill, bullhead, yellow perch or crappie. |
| Dolores River | Montrose | From McPhee Dam downstream to the state line: | No bag or possession limit for channel catfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, walleye, green sunfish, bluegill, bullhead, yellow perch or crappie. |
| Dolores River | Dolores | From Bradfield Bridge downstream to the state line: | No bag or possession limit for brown trout. |
| Dolores River | Mesa | From Bradfield Bridge downstream to the state line: | No bag or possession limit for brown trout. |
| Dolores River | Montezuma | From Bradfield Bridge downstream to the state line: | No bag or possession limit for brown trout. |
| Dolores River | Montrose | From Bradfield Bridge downstream to the state line: | No bag or possession limit for brown trout. |
| La Plata River | La Plata | From the U.S. 160 bridge downstream to the state line: | No bag or possession limit for channel catfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, walleye, green sunfish, bluegill, bullhead, yellow perch or crappie. |
| Los Pinos River | Hinsdale | From the U.S. 160 bridge in Bayfield downstream to Navajo Reservoir: | No bag or possession limit for channel catfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, walleye, green sunfish, bluegill, bullhead, yellow perch or crappie. |
| Los Pinos River | La Plata | From the U.S. 160 bridge in Bayfield downstream to Navajo Reservoir: | No bag or possession limit for channel catfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, walleye, green sunfish, bluegill, bullhead, yellow perch or crappie. |
| Mancos River | Montezuma | From the U.S. 160 bridge in Mancos downstream to the state line: | No bag or possession limit for channel catfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, walleye, green sunfish, bluegill, bullhead, yellow perch or crappie. |
| McElmo Creek | Montezuma | From the U.S. 160 bridge east of Cortez downstream to the state line: | No bag or possession limit for channel catfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, walleye, green sunfish, bluegill, bullhead, yellow perch or crappie. |
| Navajo Reservoir | Archuleta | Navajo Reservoir | Trot-lines permitted. |
| Navajo River | Archuleta | From Oso Diversion Dam downstream to the state line: | No bag or possession limit for channel catfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, walleye, green sunfish, bluegill, bullhead, yellow perch or crappie. |
| Navajo River | Conejos | From Oso Diversion Dam downstream to the state line: | No bag or possession limit for channel catfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, walleye, green sunfish, bluegill, bullhead, yellow perch or crappie. |
| North Platte River | Jackson | From the southern boundary of the Routt National Forest downstream to Wyoming (Northgate Canyon): | Artificial flies and lures only. Bag and possession limit for trout is 2. |
| Piedra River | Archuleta | From the U.S. 160 bridge downstream to Navajo Reservoir: | No bag or possession limit for channel catfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, walleye, green sunfish, bluegill, bullhead, yellow perch or crappie. |
| San Juan River | Archuleta | From U.S. 160 bridge in Pagosa Springs downstream to Navajo Reservoir: | No bag or possession limit for channel catfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, walleye, green sunfish, bluegill, bullhead, yellow perch or crappie. |
| White River | Rio Blanco | From Taylor Draw Dam downstream to the state line: | No bag or possession limit for channel catfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, walleye, green sunfish, bluegill, bullhead, yellow perch or crappie. |
2026 Colorado Fishing brochure (Colorado Parks and Wildlife), p. 1, retrieved October 25, 2026.
What changed in the 2026 Colorado fishing rules
New regulations for certain properties: ■ Colorado River (North Fork including Shadow Mountain Spillway), Grand Lake and Lake Granby: No size, bag, or possession limit for tiger muskie. See pages 15, 23 & 26. ■ Dry Gulch and Herman Gulch: Fishing now prohibited from the headwaters downstream to I-70. See pages 20 & 24. ■ George Creek: All trout must be returned to the water immediately, and fishing is prohibited from the confluence with Cornelius Creek downstream to the confluence with Sheep Creek. See page 23. ■ Blue River and Tenmile Creek: Fishing prohibited from Sept. 15–Dec. 1. See pages 13 & 37. ■ Golden mussels added to the aquatic nuisance species (ANS) list: See page 4 for more information on aquatic nuisance species. ■ New records by weight & length: Look for the New tag on pages 6–7 for the newest records by weight and length, and go to cpw.state.co.us/fishing-records for how …
2026 Colorado Fishing brochure (Colorado Parks and Wildlife), p. 1, retrieved October 25, 2026.
Other Colorado regulation pages
- Special regulations by county716 brochure entries
- Ice fishing rulesholes, shelters and fires
- Free fishing weekendthe first full weekend of June
- Gold Medal waterstrout water CPW rates highest
- Protected speciesfish that must be released
A camera look beside Colorado Fishing License and Regulations
Photo: Jeffrey Beall, CC BY 4.0
Photo: Jeffrey Beall, CC BY 4.0
Photo: NPS Natural Resources, Public domain
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Photo: Larry D. Moore, CC BY 4.0
Boats, ramps and ice in Colorado
Colorado license and limits: reader questions
Who must carry a Colorado fishing license?
Adults: People 16 and older are required to buy and carry a physical fishing license (or My CPW app accessible license) to fish or take fish, amphibians and crustaceans on their person, except where prohibited.
How much is a resident Colorado fishing license?
$44.87 a year for adults 18 to 63, $12.96 for residents 16 and 17 or 64 and older, or $18.07 for one day plus $9.13 for each extra day.
What do out-of-state anglers pay for Colorado fishing?
$124.01 for the annual license, $41.04 for five days or $21.90 for one day.
Is a Habitat Stamp required?
Yes for anyone 18 to 64 buying a license: $12.76 a year, or $384.16 for a lifetime stamp.
How many trout can I keep in Colorado?
Daily bag 4, possession 8, in aggregate, plus up to 10 extra brook trout 8 inches or shorter.
Why do walleye limits differ across the state?
daily bag 5, possession 5, in aggregate in most waters, but daily bag 10, possession 10, in aggregate in the Arkansas and South Fork Republican drainages.
Can I fish with two rods in Colorado?
Only with the $14.24 second-rod stamp, which adds no extra bag limit.
Does Colorado have a closed fishing season?
No statewide one: waters are open all year, day and night, unless a special regulation closes them.
How long does an annual Colorado license last?
Annual fishing licenses are valid March 1 through March 31 (13 months). Annual licenses go on sale March 1 each year.