Colorado is an angler’s paradise, offering diverse fishing opportunities across its stunning landscapes. To ensure a sustainable and enjoyable experience, it’s crucial to understand the state’s fishing regulations. This comprehensive guide covers licensing requirements, seasons, catch limits, approved methods, special regulations, and conservation practices for 2024, empowering anglers to fish responsibly and legally in Colorado’s waters.
Licensing Requirements and Fees
Anglers of all ages must have a valid Colorado fishing license to legally fish in the state’s public waters. The Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) offers several licensing options to cater to different angling needs and residency statuses.
Resident Licenses
- Annual Fishing License (ages 18-64): $41.83
- Senior Annual Fishing License (ages 65+): $11.47
- Low-Income Senior Lifetime Fishing License: $10 (for qualifying individuals)
- Youth Annual Fishing License (ages 16-17): $11.47
- 1-day ($16.33) and 5-day ($38.19) fishing licenses also available
Non-Resident Licenses
- Annual Fishing License: $117.14
- 1-Day Fishing License: $19.97
- 5-Day Fishing License: $38.19
- Senior (ages 65+) and youth (ages 16-17) licenses available at discounted rates
Where to Purchase Licenses
- Online: Visit the CPW Shop to buy licenses and stamps online.
- By Phone: Call 1-800-244-5613 to purchase licenses over the phone.
- In-Person: Licenses are available at hundreds of authorized sales agents across the state, including sporting goods stores, Walmart, and other retailers.
Note: A Habitat Stamp ($12.15) is required in addition to the fishing license for anyone aged 18-64 to fund wildlife habitat conservation efforts in Colorado.
Fishing Seasons and Hours
Colorado offers year-round fishing, with some variations in seasons and hours depending on the water body and regulations.
General Season Dates
- April 1 to March 31 each year
- Most public waters open 24/7
- Check specific regulations for the water body you plan to fish
Special Regulation Waters
- Unique rules and restrictions to protect fish populations or enhance angling
- Examples: Gold Medal Waters, Catch-and-Release Waters, Fly and Lure Only Waters
- Consult the Colorado Fishing Brochure or CPW website for details
Voluntary Catch-and-Release Program
- Certain water bodies open year-round
- Anglers encouraged to practice catch-and-release to sustain healthy fish populations
Catch Limits and Possession Limits
Colorado has established catch limits and possession limits for various species to ensure sustainable fish populations and promote ethical angling.
Statewide Limits by Species
- Trout (all species combined): 4 fish daily, 8 fish possession
- Walleye: 5 fish daily, 10 fish possession
- Bass (all species combined): 10 fish daily, 20 fish possession
- Crappie: 20 fish daily, 40 fish possession
- Channel Catfish: 10 fish daily, 20 fish possession
Special Limits for Specific Waters
- Many lakes, reservoirs, and river segments have special catch limits
- Reduced daily bag limits, catch-and-release only, or size restrictions
- Review regulations for the specific water body before fishing
Ethical Catch-and-Release Practices
- Use barbless hooks to minimize fish injury
- Keep fish in water as much as possible when unhooking and releasing
- Wet hands before handling fish to avoid removing protective slime
- Use rubberized nets, gentler on fish’s skin and scales
- Gently revive exhausted fish in water before release
Approved Fishing Methods and Gear
Colorado has specific regulations on allowed fishing gear and methods in different water bodies.
Allowed Fishing Gear
- Rods and reels (spinning, baitcasting, fly fishing)
- Artificial lures and flies
- Live bait (worms, minnows, prepared baits) in most waters
- Chumming allowed in most waters
- Check specific regulations for the water body
Prohibited Fishing Methods
- Snagging or foul-hooking fish
- Trotlines and juglines
- Explosives, toxicants, or electricity to stun or kill fish
- Spearfishing generally not allowed, with few exceptions
- Violations may result in fines, license revocation, or criminal charges
Gear Restrictions for Fly Fishing
- Certain Fly and Lure Only waters have specific gear requirements:
- Fly rods and reels designed for fly fishing only
- Artificial flies or lures tied to imitate natural food sources
- Single hook or multiple hooks dressed as single hook
- No live or prepared bait allowed
- Maintains integrity of fly fishing experience and protects ecosystems
Special Regulations by Water Body
Many specific water bodies in Colorado have additional rules and restrictions to manage fish populations, enhance angling experiences, and promote conservation.
Gold Medal Waters
- Premier trout fisheries with exceptional angling opportunities
- Strict regulations to maintain high-quality fishing
- Reduced bag limits, catch-and-release sections, gear restrictions, seasonal closures
- Examples: Animas River, Fryingpan River, South Platte River
Tailwaters and Rivers
- Unique regulations tailored to specific fish populations and angling pressures
- Different regulations for different sections (catch-and-release, fly/lure only, varying bag limits)
- Consult Colorado Fishing Brochure or CPW website for specific tailwater/river regulations
Lakes and Reservoirs
- Diverse fishing opportunities, each with own set of regulations
- Special regulations on bag limits, size restrictions, approved methods
- Examples: Eleven Mile Reservoir (2 trout daily limit), Chatfield Reservoir (minimum size for walleye/bass)
- Review regulations for each specific lake or reservoir before fishing
Stocking Reports and Fishing Maps
Colorado offers resources like stocking reports and interactive fishing maps to enhance the angling experience.
Weekly Stocking Reports
- Published by CPW with details on fish species, quantities, locations of recent stockings
- Access on CPW website or mobile app
- Plan fishing trips effectively by targeting recently stocked waters
Interactive Fishing Atlas
- Online tool to explore fishing opportunities across Colorado
- Detailed maps, water body information, regulations for lakes, reservoirs, streams
- Locate nearby spots, view stocking reports, access specific regulations
- Valuable for planning trips and discovering new angling destinations
Regulation Maps by Region
- Regional regulation maps highlight specific rules and restrictions for different state areas
- Access online or obtain print versions from CPW offices and license vendors
- Ensure awareness of unique regulations or special management areas within the region
Conservation and Ethical Angling
Colorado promotes conservation and ethical angling practices for the long-term sustainability of its fish populations and aquatic ecosystems.
Leave No Trace Principles
- Plan ahead and prepare
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Proper Fish Handling and Release
- Use barbless hooks, minimize air exposure, wet hands, use rubberized nets, revive fish before release
- Avoid targeting spawning fish or those in spawning areas to protect reproductive cycles
Invasive Species Awareness
- Prevent spread of invasive species that can devastate native fish and ecosystems
- Clean, drain, dry all equipment before moving to new water body
- Don’t move live fish between waters
- Report suspected invasive species sightings to CPW immediately
By familiarizing themselves with Colorado’s fishing regulations, practicing ethical angling techniques, and contributing to conservation efforts, anglers can ensure that Colorado’s waters remain a premier fishing destination for generations to come. With its stunning natural beauty and diverse opportunities, Colorado offers an unforgettable experience for responsible anglers.
