The Colorado fishing regulations reflect the state’s diverse range of waters and ecosystems. High mountains trout, cold rivers, pike, warm water carp, bass and plenty of other opportunities are present.
Buy a LicenseColorado Fishing License Costs
| Age | Resident | Nonresident |
|---|---|---|
| 1-16 | No license required. Must observe all limits and regulations. | No license required. Must observe all limits and regulations. |
| 16-17 | Fishing License Only ($9 for One-day, $5 for each additional-day or $26 for the full season). | Fishing License Only ($26 for Five-day or $56 for the full season). |
| 18-63 | Habitat Stamp ($10) + Fishing license ($9 for one-day, $5 for each additional-day or $26 for the full season). Customers buying a one-day or additional-day license are exempt from the Habitat Stamp fee with the first two of these licenses. The habitat fee will be assessed when a third license of this type is purchased. | Habitat Stamp ($10) + Fishing license ($26 for Five-day or $56 for the full season). |
| 64+ | Fishing license only ($1 for full season). | Fishing license only ($26 for Five-day or $56 for the full season). |
Special License Requirements:
Second Rod Stamp ($5) – Anglers can use a second rod, hand line 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.
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- Those with disability licenses must purchase a stamp if fishing with a second line.
- A second-rod stamp is not required when only using trotlines or jugs.
- Youths under 16 must have and carry with them a second-rod stamp if fishing with a second line.
Colorado General Fishing Regulations:
See “Special Regulations” below for exceptions.
| Species | Daily Bag Limit | Posession Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Trout, Arctic Char, Grayling, Salmon includes brook, cutbow, cutthroat, golden, lake, rainbow, splake, and tiger |
4 | 8 |
| Brook Trout 8 inches long or less (in addition to trout limit above) |
10 | 10 |
| Kokanee Salmon | 10 | 10 |
| Walleye, Saugeye, Sauger statewide, in aggregate |
5 | 5 |
| Bass: Largemouth, Smallmouth, Spotted in aggregate |
5 | 5 |
| Bass: White, Striped, Wiper in aggregate |
10 | 10 |
| Catfish: Channel, Flathead, Blue in aggregate |
10 | 10 |
| Crappie: White, Black in aggregate |
20 | 20 |
| Bluegill, Hybrid Bluegrill, Green Sunfish, Redear Sunfish, Pumpkinseed Sunfish in aggregate |
20 | 20 |
| Yellow Perch
West of Continental Divide East of Continental Divide |
Unlimited
20 |
Unlimited
10 |
| Tiger Muskie at least 36 inches long |
1 | 1 |
| Northern Pike, Whitefish, Bullhead | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Crayfish, Bullfrogs | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| 10 | 10 | |
| Aquatic Tiger, Salamander Larvae | 50 | 50 |
| General Fishing Season |
|---|
| Colorado waters are open to taking fish day and night, year round, except if otherwise stated. |
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