Colorado’s waters hold over 30 species of fish across 6,000 miles of streams and 1,300 lakes and reservoirs. Whether you want to catch walleye, saugeye, or trout, you need to understand the state’s fishing regulations before you cast your line.
All anglers aged 16 and older must possess a valid fishing license to fish in Colorado, with annual licenses valid from March 1 through March 31 of the following year.
The license you purchase directly supports conservation efforts and fishery management throughout the state. Your fees fund fish stocking operations that maintain healthy populations and create better fishing opportunities for everyone.
Understanding catch limits and catch-and-release rules protects Colorado’s aquatic ecosystems while giving you access to some of the best fishing in the country. This guide covers everything you need to know about getting your fishing license, what it costs, and who qualifies for exemptions.
You’ll learn about the different license types available and how to stay legal while enjoying Colorado’s diverse fishing opportunities.
Types of Fishing Licenses Available in Colorado
Colorado offers several fishing license options based on your residency status and how long you plan to fish. You need to understand which type fits your situation before you purchase.
Resident Fishing Licenses
If you’ve lived in Colorado for more than six months, you qualify as a resident. Your options include:
- Annual Adult Fishing License – $42.91 for ages 18-63, valid for 13 months from March 1 through March 31 of the following year
- Senior Annual Fishing License – $11.73 for ages 64 and older
- Youth Fishing License – $11.73 for ages 16-17
- One-Day Fishing License – $16.72 per day
- Additional-Day Fishing – $7.99 to add extra days
You can also buy combo licenses that include small game hunting. The Small Game and Fishing Combo costs $61.62, while seniors pay $36.22 for the same combination.
Non-Resident Fishing Licenses
If you don’t live in Colorado, your license costs more than resident rates. You can purchase:
- Annual Non-Resident License – $120.25 for ages 16 and up
- Five-Day License – $39.17
- One-Day License – $20.46
- Additional-Day License – $7.99
Special Licenses
Colorado provides free or reduced-cost licenses for veterans with service-connected disabilities, residents with total permanent disabilities, and first responders with occupational disabilities. You must apply separately for these lifetime licenses through Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Children under 16 fish free without any license requirement.
Who Needs a Fishing License in Colorado
Anyone age 16 or older must have a valid fishing license to fish in Colorado waters. This applies to both residents and non-residents who want to cast a line in the state’s streams, rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
License Requirements by Age:
- Under 16: No license required. Youth can fish freely and take full bag limits.
- Ages 16-17: Must purchase a youth fishing license.
- Ages 18 and older: Must purchase an adult fishing license.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife enforces these licensing requirements across all public fishing areas in the state.
Special Exemptions:
Certain groups can fish without purchasing a license. Colorado residents on active duty with U.S. armed forces can fish free for up to 30 days per year while on leave, but they must carry official leave papers. Veterans with service-connected disabilities qualify for free lifetime fishing licenses.
Colorado residents with total and permanent disabilities can apply for a Columbine Lifetime Fishing License. First responders who suffered permanent occupational disabilities while on duty also qualify for free lifetime licenses.
Habitat Stamp Requirement:
Most anglers between ages 18 and 64 must also purchase an Annual Habitat Stamp along with their fishing license. This costs $12.47 and supports conservation efforts. Disabled anglers and those with certain lifetime licenses don’t need this stamp.
You can fish without a license during free fishing days, which happen on the first full weekend in June each year.
How to Obtain a Fishing License in Colorado
You can purchase your Colorado fishing license through three convenient methods. The easiest option is buying online through the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website, where you can complete your purchase anytime. You can also call 1-800-244-5613 to buy by phone or visit a local CPW office or authorized vendor in person.
Before you start the purchase process, you need to gather a few required documents. You must provide your Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number if you are age 12 or older. You also need a valid government-issued ID and proof of residency if you plan to buy a resident license.
What happens after you purchase? You receive a temporary authorization number (TAN) immediately after completing your transaction. This TAN lets you fish right away while you wait for your physical license to arrive in the mail. The TAN stays valid for 45 days from your purchase date.
Make sure you carry either your TAN or physical license with you whenever you fish. Law enforcement officers can ask to see your license at any time.
If you buy a 1-day or 5-day license and your fishing dates fall within 15 days of purchase, you will not receive a physical license in the mail. Instead, you need to print or write down your TAN from your email confirmation and keep it with you while fishing. Payment is easy through the online system using any major credit or debit card.
Fishing License Costs and Validity Periods in Colorado
Annual fishing licenses in Colorado are valid for 13 months, running from March 1 through March 31 of the following year. This gives you extra time to enjoy fishing throughout the state.
Resident License Costs:
- Adult Annual (ages 18-63): $42.91
- Senior Annual (ages 64+): $11.73
- Youth (ages 16-17): $11.73
- One-Day License: $16.72
- Additional-Day License: $7.99
Nonresident License Costs:
- Annual (ages 16+): $120.25
- Five-Day: $39.17
- One-Day: $20.46
- Additional-Day: $7.99
You’ll also need to purchase a habitat stamp if you’re between ages 18 and 64. This costs $12.47 per year for both residents and nonresidents. The habitat stamp is nonrefundable and required only once per year when buying or applying for a license.
A second-rod stamp costs $12.98 and lets you use an additional rod while fishing. All license fees include a 25-cent search-and-rescue fee and a $1.50 Wildlife Education Fund fee.
Youth under 16 fish free without needing a license. They can take a full bag and possession limit. Colorado also offers free fishing days throughout the year when anyone can fish without purchasing a license.
When you buy a one-day or additional-day license, you’re exempt from the habitat stamp fee for your first two purchases. The habitat stamp applies when you buy a third license of this type.
