Colorado Fishing License (2026): Cost, Where to Buy & Rules
Issued by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife
How much is a fishing license in Colorado?
A resident annual Colorado fishing license costs $44.87, and a non-resident annual license is $124.01. Colorado also offers short-term day passes and discounted youth and senior licenses, all sold by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
🎫 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 January 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 limit. Youths 16–17 buy a reduced $12.96 annual license.
- Seniors (64+)
- $12.96 resident annual fishing license for residents 64 and older (a reduced fee, NOT free), against $44.87 for residents 18–63. Seniors 64+ are also exempt from the separate $12.76 Habitat Stamp. Low-income residents 64+ may qualify for a discounted lifetime license under the Centennial program.
- Anglers with disabilities
- Colorado residents with a total and permanent disability qualify for a FREE Columbine Lifetime Fishing License (and are exempt from the Habitat Stamp); advance application required.
- Veterans & military
- Colorado resident veterans with a 60%+ service-connected VA disability rating (including Purple Heart recipients) qualify for a FREE Lifetime Fishing & Small Game Combination license; advance application required.
- Free fishing days (2026)
- June 6–7, 2026 — Colorado's Free Fishing Weekend (first full weekend in June); no license required to fish statewide. Bag and size limits and all other regulations still apply.
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 August 2026.
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 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.
Do you need a fishing license in Colorado?
Yes. Colorado requires a fishing license to fish recreationally. Children under 16 are exempt. $12.96 resident annual fishing license for residents 64 and older (a reduced fee, NOT free), against $44.87 for residents 18–63. Seniors 64+ are also exempt from the separate $12.76 Habitat Stamp. Low-income residents 64+ may qualify for a discounted lifetime license under the Centennial program. 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
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