Colorado · Fishing license
Colorado fishing license
Do I need one?
Yes — anyone 16 or older needs one.
A year costs $44.87 if you live here and $124.01 if you don't. Just passing through? One day costs $21.90. Add the compulsory 12.76 habitat stamp for anyone aged 18 to 64 — the licence price alone is not what you pay.
What it costs
If you live in Colorado
| license | Price |
|---|---|
| Annual fishing (18 to 63) | $44.87 |
| Annual fishing, senior (64+) | $12.96 |
| Annual fishing, youth (16 and 17) | $12.96 |
| One day | $18.07 |
| Each additional dayOnly on top of a day licence. | $9.13 |
| Annual habitat stampCompulsory, not optional: CPW adds it to every licence for anyone aged 18 to 64, once a year. | $12.76 |
| Second-rod stampOptional — lets you fish a second rod. | $14.24 |
If you're visiting
| license | Price |
|---|---|
| Annual fishing (16+) | $124.01 |
| Five days | $41.04 |
| One day | $21.90 |
| Each additional dayOnly on top of a day licence. | $9.13 |
The habitat stamp is compulsory and comes on top of the licence price: 12.76 a year for anyone aged 18 to 64, once per licence year. The second-rod stamp at 14.24 is optional.
How long it lasts
Colorado's annual licence runs 1 March through 31 March of the following year — thirteen months, not twelve. Day licences are only good for the dates printed on them and are sold at most 60 days ahead.
Who doesn't need one
- Anyone 15 years old or younger
CPW words the age rule this way: CPW: "Youth aged 15 and under fish for free." From 16 up a licence is needed; 16- and 17-year-olds and anglers of 64 and over pay the reduced 12.96 rate.
Where to buy it
- Online at cpwshop.com
- At CPW offices and licence agents across Colorado
- By telephone on 1-800-244-5613
Wondering about the big retailers? A shop like Walmart sells the state's license at the state's price — it sets none of its own.
Days you can fish without one
CPW publishes this as a recurring rule rather than a fixed date. Check the exact days on their free fishing page before you plan around it.
Where to use it today
Waters we read every morning in Colorado.
- 7 Biting Eagle River
- 5 Picky Blue Mesa Reservoir
- 5 Picky Clear Creek
- 5 Picky Deckers
- 5 Picky Grand Lake
- 5 Picky Horsetooth Reservoir
- 5 Picky Lake Granby
- 5 Picky Pueblo Reservoir
- 4 Picky Dream Stream