Colorado Fishing License (2026): Cost, Where to Buy & Rules
Issued by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife
How much is a fishing license in Colorado (CO)?
A resident annual Colorado fishing license costs $44.87, and a non-resident (out-of-state) annual license is $124.01. Colorado also offers short-term day passes for out-of-state visitors and discounted youth and senior licenses, all sold by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
How does Colorado compare? See the 2026 fishing license cost by state price index.
🎫 Buy a Colorado Fishing License →Fishing in Colorado
Colorado is Rocky Mountain trout at its core. Gold Medal water on the Colorado, Arkansas, Gunnison and South Platte draws fly anglers, high alpine lakes hold cutthroat and brook trout, and big reservoirs like Blue Mesa add lake trout and kokanee salmon. Out on the plains, warmwater reservoirs give up bass, walleye and wipers. Summer is prime in the high country, while tailwaters below the dams fish all winter.
Colorado Fishing License Types & 2026 Prices
Resident Annual
Freshwater
$44.87
Non-Resident Annual
Freshwater
$124.01
Non-Resident 1-Day
Freshwater
$21.90
Non-Resident 5-Day
Freshwater
$41.04
Senior (64+)
Freshwater
$12.96
CO resident 64+; exempt from the Habitat Stamp
Youth (under 16)
FreeAnglers 18–64 must also buy a separate mandatory $12.76 Habitat Stamp (not included in the license price above).
✅ Prices verified October 2026 from the Colorado Parks and Wildlife. License fees can change year to year — confirm current rates with the agency before you buy.
Who needs a Colorado fishing license?
Most adult anglers need a license to fish in Colorado. Several groups are exempt or pay a reduced fee:
- Youth
- Children under 16 do not need a license. Anglers 15 and under fish free and may take a full bag and possession limit without a license. Residents 16–17 buy a $12.96 Youth Fishing License; non-residents 16 and older pay adult prices.
- Seniors (64+)
- Residents 64 and older buy a $12.96 Senior Annual Fishing License (reduced, NOT free). Adults 18–63 pay $44.87. The $12.76 Habitat Stamp is required for ages 18–64, so 64-year-olds still need it and anglers 65 and older do not. Income-eligible residents 64 and older can apply for the Centennial Senior Annual Fishing license.
- Anglers with disabilities
- Colorado residents with a total and permanent disability can apply for the Columbine Lifetime Fishing License. They must apply in advance.
- Veterans & military
- Colorado resident veterans with a service-connected disability rated 50% or more by the VA, and Purple Heart recipients, can apply for a free Lifetime Fishing License or a Lifetime Fishing and Small Game Combination (VA combo) license. VA combo holders are exempt from the Habitat Stamp.
- Free fishing days (2026)
- Colorado's Free Fishing Weekend: June 6–7, 2026 (already passed). Anyone can fish for free, and the fishing license and Habitat Stamp requirements are waived. 2027 dates have not been announced yet.
Short-term day licenses are available for visitors and occasional anglers. Always confirm the current rules with the Colorado Parks and Wildlife before heading out. ✅ Exemptions verified October 2026.
Where to buy a Colorado fishing license
Online (cheapest): buy directly from the Colorado Parks and Wildlife — that’s the cheapest option, with no third-party markup.
In person: most sporting goods retailers (Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, Walmart) and many tackle shops in Colorado also sell licenses.
Colorado Fishing Limits by Species (2026)
General statewide bag, size, and season limits for popular Colorado species.
| Species | Daily Bag | Min Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| TroutStatewide general; many Gold Medal/wild-trout waters are more restrictive | 4 | No limit | Year-round |
| WalleyeStatewide general limit; the 18-inch minimum applies only to special waters | 5 | No limit | Year-round |
| Largemouth BassStatewide general limit | 5 | No limit | Year-round |
| Kokanee SalmonSnagging allowed in some waters in fall | 10 | No limit | Varies |
⚠️ Limits are general statewide references and change year to year — many lakes and rivers carry their own bag, size, and slot rules. Always confirm the current regulation for your specific water with the Colorado Parks and Wildlife before you keep a fish. Reviewed July 2026.
Colorado Fishing License FAQ
How much is a fishing license in Colorado?
A resident annual fishing license in Colorado costs $44.87, and a non-resident (out-of-state) annual license costs $124.01. Colorado also offers short-term (day) licenses for visitors, discounted youth and senior options. Licenses are sold by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
How much is an out-of-state fishing license in Colorado?
An out-of-state (non-resident) annual fishing license in Colorado costs $124.01. For a shorter trip, Colorado also sells 1-Day, 5-Day licenses. Buy online from the Colorado Parks and Wildlife before you fish.
Do you need a fishing license in Colorado?
Yes. Colorado requires a fishing license to fish recreationally. Children under 16 are exempt. Residents 64 and older buy a $12.96 Senior Annual Fishing License (reduced, NOT free). Adults 18–63 pay $44.87. The $12.76 Habitat Stamp is required for ages 18–64, so 64-year-olds still need it and anglers 65 and older do not. Income-eligible residents 64 and older can apply for the Centennial Senior Annual Fishing license. Always confirm current rules with the Colorado Parks and Wildlife before you fish.
Where do you buy a Colorado fishing license?
Buy directly from the Colorado Parks and Wildlife online — that's the cheapest option (no third-party markup). You can also buy at most sporting-goods retailers and many tackle shops in Colorado.
Fishing licenses in nearby states
Got your license — now find a fishing buddy in Colorado
MyFishingBuds matches you with anglers in Colorado by style, species, and schedule.
Find a fishing buddy →