Colorado Second Rod Stamp: Is the $12.68 Worth It in 2025? (Expert Guide)

For Colorado anglers, the Second Rod Stamp presents an intriguing opportunity to potentially double fishing success for a modest investment. Priced at $12.68 in 2025, this permit allows you to fish with two rods simultaneously instead of just one. But is this additional expense justified by improved catch rates? This comprehensive guide examines the value proposition of Colorado’s Second Rod Stamp, analyzing everything from regulations and benefits to strategic applications for maximizing your investment.

What is a Colorado Second Rod Stamp?

The Colorado Second Rod Stamp is an additional permit that provides anglers the legal authorization to use two fishing rods simultaneously on Colorado waters. This supplemental stamp allows the use of a second rod, handline, or tip-up when fishing, potentially increasing your chances of success without requiring additional time on the water.

Key features of the Second Rod Stamp include:

Legal authorization to use two fishing rods simultaneously in Colorado waters
Required in addition to your regular fishing license
Applies to both residents and non-residents
Cannot be transferred between anglers
Does not increase daily bag or possession limits
Valid for the same period as your fishing license (typically March 1-March 31 of the following year)

The concept behind the second rod stamp is straightforward: by allowing you to deploy two different fishing presentations simultaneously, you can cover more water, test different depths, or experiment with multiple baits without violating state regulations.

Who Needs a Second Rod Stamp?

Anyone fishing with two rods in Colorado waters must purchase this stamp, regardless of age, residency status, or license type. This requirement applies universally across several groups:

Resident adult anglers with standard fishing licenses
Non-resident adult anglers with visitor licenses
Youth under 16 (even though they can fish without a license in Colorado, they still need the stamp for a second rod)
Senior anglers with senior fishing licenses
Persons with disability licenses

A common misconception is that certain groups are exempt from this requirement. However, Colorado Parks and Wildlife regulations clearly state that everyone using two rods must have their own stamp, regardless of their license status or exemptions that might apply to other fishing regulations.

Important exceptions:

A second-rod stamp is not required when using trotlines or jugs
The stamp is non-transferable and can only be used by the person who purchased it
Each angler in a group must have their own stamp if they intend to use two rods

Second Rod Stamp Costs and Comparisons

The Colorado Second Rod Stamp costs $12.68 for the 2025 fishing season, a fee that applies equally to both residents and non-residents. This uniform pricing is notable, as most fishing licenses in Colorado have different fee structures based on residency.

Comparing to Other Colorado Fishing License Costs

License Type	Resident Fee	Non-Resident Fee
Second Rod Stamp	$12.68	$12.68
Annual Fishing License (Adult)	$41.83	$117.14
One-day Fishing License	$16.33	$19.97
Youth License (16-17)	$11.47	N/A (must purchase adult)
Senior Annual (65+)	$11.47	N/A

At $12.68, the Second Rod Stamp represents approximately 30% of an annual resident license cost and just 11% of a non-resident annual license. For frequent anglers, this relatively small investment provides a season-long enhancement to your fishing opportunities.

Comparison with Other States

While Colorado charges $12.68 for its Second Rod Stamp, other states have different approaches and fee structures for multi-rod fishing:

California charges $19.70 for a Second Rod Validation in 2025, making Colorado’s option notably less expensive. California’s validation allows fishing with two rods or lines in inland waters, except in waters where only artificial lures or barbless hooks may be used.

Wyoming, Utah, New Mexico, and Nebraska each have their own regulations regarding multiple fishing devices, with some allowing multiple rods under a standard license and others requiring special permits similar to Colorado’s stamp system.

The Colorado Second Rod Stamp offers competitive value compared to neighboring states, especially considering its uniform pricing for both residents and non-residents.

Benefits of the Second Rod Stamp

The Second Rod Stamp provides specific advantages while maintaining certain limitations that anglers should understand before making a purchase decision.

Privileges

Doubled fishing presentation opportunities: The ability to use two fishing rods simultaneously allows you to cover more water and try different techniques concurrently
Multiple depth targeting: You can position one rod to fish near the surface while the other targets deeper water
Bait experimentation: Test different baits or lures simultaneously to determine what’s working best on a particular day
Increased efficiency: Maximize your limited fishing time by having multiple lines in the water

Limitations

No increase in daily bag or possession limits: While you can fish with two rods, you’re still restricted to the same number of fish you can legally keep
Non-transferable: The stamp cannot be shared between anglers, even family members
Limited to exactly two rods: Purchasing multiple stamps doesn’t allow for three or more rods

The primary benefit is simply doubling your presentation opportunities while on the water. All other fishing regulations regarding bag limits, size restrictions, and fishing methods remain in effect.

When is a Second Rod Stamp Worth the Investment?

The value of a Second Rod Stamp varies significantly depending on your fishing style, frequency, target species, and preferred locations. Understanding when this permit delivers the most benefit helps determine if it’s worth the investment for your specific situation.

Most Valuable For:

Still fishing scenarios: Shore fishing, dock fishing, or fishing from an anchored boat where managing multiple rods is practical
Ice fishing: When multiple holes and presentations significantly increase success rates
Lake and reservoir fishing: Larger waters where covering different depths is advantageous
Species with specific feeding patterns: Catfish, carp, walleye and other species that may require patience or multiple presentations
Slow-bite days: When fish are less active and multiple presentations improve chances

Less Valuable For:

Active presentation methods: Fly fishing, streamer fishing, or other techniques that require constant attention and manipulation
Fast-moving water fishing: Stream or river fishing where managing multiple rods can be challenging or impractical
Very occasional anglers: Those who fish only once or twice a year may not recoup the value
Highly technical fishing approaches: Some specialized techniques demand focus on a single presentation

For the cost of $12.68 spread across a full season of fishing (13 months from March 1 to March 31 of the following year), many anglers find the Second Rod Stamp to be one of the best values in fishing permits. If you fish at least 6-7 times per year, the cost per trip is less than $2—a modest price for potentially doubling your fishing productivity.

Federal vs. State Fishing Jurisdiction in Colorado

Understanding fishing regulations requires knowledge of which authorities govern different waters, particularly when it comes to permits like the Second Rod Stamp.

In Colorado, fishing regulations operate under a dual jurisdiction system:

State jurisdiction – Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) manages most fishing waters and establishes regulations for licenses, stamps, seasons, and methods. The Second Rod Stamp is a state requirement that applies to waters under CPW management.
Federal jurisdiction – Waters within national parks, national wildlife refuges, and other federal lands may have additional or different regulations. Some federal waters may restrict the number of rods regardless of state permits.

For example, in some federally managed waters, special regulations may apply that override or supplement state requirements. Before fishing in federally managed areas such as Rocky Mountain National Park or in waters on national wildlife refuges, check both state and federal regulations to ensure compliance with all requirements.

How to Get a Colorado Second Rod Stamp

Purchasing a Second Rod Stamp is straightforward, with several convenient options available to Colorado anglers:

Online: Visit the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website to purchase electronically
CPW Mobile App: Download the official CPW app to purchase and store your license digitally
By phone: Call the CPW licensing office at 1-800-244-5613
In person: Available at CPW offices and hundreds of license agents throughout Colorado including sporting goods stores and major retailers like Walmart

When purchasing a Second Rod Stamp, you’ll need:

Your existing fishing license information
Payment method
Identification (for in-person purchases)

The stamp becomes valid immediately upon purchase and expires on the same date as your fishing license. For annual licenses, this typically runs from March 1 through March 31 of the following year (13 months).

Legal Consequences of Fishing Without a Required Stamp

Using two rods without the required Second Rod Stamp constitutes a violation of Colorado fishing regulations and can result in penalties.

While the specific penalties for fishing without a Second Rod Stamp aren’t detailed in the search results, fishing violations in Colorado generally follow a tiered system:

Level 1 Violations – Minor infractions that might result in warnings or smaller fines

First-time violations with no intent to break regulations often fall here

Level 2 Violations – More serious infractions with escalating penalties

First offense: Classified as a 2nd-degree misdemeanor with potential fines
Repeat offenses: Higher fines and potential license suspension

Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers regularly patrol fishing areas and have authority to check licenses and stamps. These enforcement efforts help ensure compliance with regulations that support conservation funding and sustainable fishing practices.

The financial penalty for fishing without a required stamp would certainly exceed the $12.68 cost of the stamp itself, making compliance the most economical choice even if you only occasionally use two rods.

Conservation Biology and the Second Rod Stamp Program

The management of fishing methods, including multiple rod use, is grounded in scientific principles that help maintain healthy fish populations while providing recreational opportunities.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife employs various fisheries management models that influence regulations:

Data-Limited Models: Used for fisheries with less available information
Index-Based Methods: Analyzing trends over time to provide management guidance
Aggregate Biomass Dynamics Models: More sophisticated models requiring additional data

These scientific approaches help determine sustainable harvest levels and appropriate fishing methods, including whether allowing multiple fishing rods impacts fish populations.

The Second Rod Stamp program balances increased angling opportunity with conservation by:

Maintaining the same bag limits regardless of rod count
Generating additional revenue for conservation programs
Allowing more efficient fishing without increasing overall harvest pressure

The fees collected from Second Rod Stamps contribute to conservation efforts including habitat improvement, fish stocking, and fisheries management throughout Colorado. By purchasing a Second Rod Stamp, anglers are not only gaining additional fishing privileges but also supporting the state’s aquatic resource management efforts.

Strategies for Two-Rod Fishing Success

Successfully fishing with two rods requires specific strategies to maximize effectiveness while avoiding tangles and missed opportunities.

Lake and Reservoir Techniques:

Depth stratification: Set one rod shallow and one deep to locate fish at different levels in the water column
Bait variety: Use different bait types on each rod to determine preferences on any given day
Structure targeting: Position rods to cover different structure elements simultaneously (e.g., one near weed edges, one over deeper points)
Rod spacing: Keep rods far enough apart to prevent line tangles when fish are hooked

Ice Fishing Optimization:

Active and passive approach: Actively jig with one rod while setting the second with bait
Multiple holes: Place rods in holes over different bottom structures
Depth variation: Target different depths to locate suspended fish
Use tip-ups: Combine a jigging rod with a tip-up for maximum coverage

Equipment Recommendations:

Quality rod holders: Secure placement prevents lost rods and missed strikes
Bite indicators: Visual or audible alerts help monitor both rods effectively
Different rod types: Consider using different action rods for different techniques
Line marking: Use colored line or markers to easily identify which rod is which

These strategies help anglers maximize the value of their Second Rod Stamp investment by increasing effectiveness and preventing equipment issues when managing multiple rods.

Best Colorado Locations for Two-Rod Fishing

Some fishing locations in Colorado are particularly well-suited for using two rods simultaneously, maximizing the value of your Second Rod Stamp.

Reservoirs and Lakes:

Blue Mesa Reservoir: Colorado’s largest body of water offers extensive opportunities for multi-rod fishing targeting kokanee salmon, lake trout, and brown trout
Chatfield Reservoir: Convenient to Denver with good walleye, bass, and trout fishing
John Martin Reservoir: Eastern Colorado location known for excellent catfishing
Eleven Mile Reservoir: Famous for trophy trout that can be targeted at different depths

Ice Fishing Destinations:

Antero Reservoir: Known for trophy trout through the ice
Williams Fork Reservoir: Excellent for lake trout during ice season
Granby Reservoir: Lake trout and kokanee opportunities in winter

Shore Fishing Areas:

Horsetooth Reservoir: Multiple access points with good shore fishing
Boyd Lake: Family-friendly with good shore access for multiple rod setups
Pueblo Reservoir: Diverse species and good shoreline access

These locations provide the space, structure diversity, and target species that make two-rod fishing particularly effective and enjoyable.

Target Species for Two-Rod Fishing in Colorado

Certain fish species in Colorado are especially well-suited for targeting with multiple rods:

Channel and Flathead Catfish

Two-rod advantage: These bottom-feeders often respond to bait left on the bottom while you work another presentation. Different bait types on separate rods can determine preferences on a given day. Colorado’s eastern reservoirs and the South Platte River offer excellent catfish opportunities.

Walleye

Two-rod advantage: Covering different depths simultaneously helps locate schools, particularly during dawn and dusk feeding periods. Reservoirs like Cherry Creek, Chatfield, and Horsetooth are prime walleye waters where a second rod can significantly increase success.

Carp

Two-rod advantage: These wary fish often require patience and multiple presentations with different bait types to determine triggers on a given day. Having two rods allows you to try different bait combinations simultaneously.

Trout in Lakes

Two-rod advantage: Set one rod with bait (PowerBait, salmon eggs) while using another for active lure presentation (spinners, spoons). This dual approach can be particularly effective in heavily stocked lakes.

Crappie and Panfish

Two-rod advantage: Setting rods at different depths helps locate schools that suspend at various levels throughout the day. Once you find the productive depth, you can adjust both presentations accordingly.

By targeting these species with two rods, you increase your chances of success and maximize the value of your Second Rod Stamp.

Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado’s Second Rod Stamp

Do I need a Second Rod Stamp for ice fishing?
Yes. Even during ice fishing season, you need a Second Rod Stamp to legally fish with two lines in Colorado waters.

Do children need a Second Rod Stamp?
Yes. Even though youth under 16 can fish without a license in Colorado, they must purchase a Second Rod Stamp if they want to use two rods simultaneously.

Can I use my spouse’s or friend’s second rod if they have a stamp?
No. The Second Rod Stamp is non-transferable and only allows the license holder to use a second rod. Each angler wanting to use two rods must have their own stamp.

Does the Second Rod Stamp allow me to keep more fish?
No. The Second Rod Stamp only permits the use of additional fishing equipment. It does not increase your daily bag or possession limits.

If I have a lifetime fishing license, do I need to buy a new Second Rod Stamp each year?
Yes. The Second Rod Stamp must be purchased annually even if you have a lifetime fishing license.

Do seniors need a Second Rod Stamp?
Yes. Seniors fishing with a senior license must purchase and carry a Second Rod Stamp if fishing with a second line.

Do I need a Second Rod Stamp for all types of fishing?
You need a Second Rod Stamp anytime you’re using two rods or lines simultaneously in Colorado waters. However, a second-rod stamp is not required when only using trotlines or jugs.

Can I use more than two rods if I purchase multiple stamps?
No. Colorado regulations limit anglers to a maximum of two rods, even with a Second Rod Stamp. Additional stamps do not permit additional rods beyond two.

How long is my Second Rod Stamp valid?
The stamp is valid for the same period as your fishing license. For annual licenses, this typically runs from March 1 through March 31 of the following year (13 months).

Is the Colorado Second Rod Stamp Worth It?

After examining the costs, benefits, and strategic advantages of Colorado’s Second Rod Stamp, we can evaluate its value proposition for different types of anglers.

For frequent anglers who enjoy still fishing methods, ice fishing, or fishing from fixed positions, the $12.68 investment offers substantial returns in terms of fishing opportunity and enjoyment. If you fish regularly (at least once a month), the stamp costs about $1 per trip—a minimal expense for potentially significant improvement in fishing success.

Weekend warriors who fish 10-15 times per year will find the cost breaks down to less than $1 per trip. For these anglers, the stamp represents excellent value for enhancing each fishing outing with doubled presentation opportunities.

Family fishing groups can benefit significantly, as each family member fishing with two rods must have their own stamp. For a family of four, this represents an additional investment of about $50, which can substantially increase collective fishing success during family outings.

Occasional anglers might find the stamp worthwhile during specific fishing trips where managing multiple rods is practical, such as vacation trips to prime fishing locations or during peak fishing seasons.

For specialized anglers who primarily employ active techniques like fly fishing or those who rarely fish Colorado waters, the stamp may not provide significant value given their fishing styles.

Conclusion

Colorado’s Second Rod Stamp offers anglers a cost-effective way to potentially improve their fishing success and enjoyment on the water. For $12.68, fishermen gain the legal ability to double their fishing presentations without doubling their time on the water.

While not suited for every fishing style or situation, the stamp provides significant value for still fishing approaches, ice fishing, and methods where managing multiple rods is practical. The modest investment can pay dividends in fishing enjoyment and success over the course of a season.

Before your next Colorado fishing adventure, consider your fishing style and preferences to determine if adding a Second Rod Stamp to your license makes sense. For many anglers, the ability to legally fish with two rods represents one of the best values in fishing permits and a simple way to enhance time spent on Colorado’s beautiful waters.

When purchasing your fishing license, remember that all fees, including the Second Rod Stamp, contribute to conservation efforts that help maintain healthy fisheries for future generations. By following regulations and purchasing the appropriate permits, you’re participating in the long tradition of sportsmen and women who support wildlife management through their license dollars.