Colorado Fishing License and Permits

The price of each state’s license varies but the average annual license is $25.42 for residents and $61.52 for non residents. Below you find the current price for 2023 fishing licenses in every state. To fish in Colorado, anglers must have a fishing license and Colorado Wildlife Habitat Stamp. License fees vary depending on residency, age and duration, the Habitat Stamp is a flat $10.00 fee.

Note that you can catch and keep as many yellow perch as you like west of the Continental Divide. Only five walleye and/or sauger from most rivers and reservoirs are allowed for each angler. However, some waters may allow up to as many as 10 per day, depending on locations. The guides that run the shop in Lone Tree as well as up in Minturn, all fish the water and will give you good advice on what flies to through. This fly shop is superbly stocked and everything a fly shop should be. They had me dialled in when I left the store, and I had a great day on the water.

To learn more about creating an account, or how to buy a hunting license in our integrated purchasing system, please visit our Plan Your Hunt page. In addition to contributing over $3.25 billion annually, hunting and fishing also help support more than 25,000 jobs across the state. To legally fish in the United States most people will need a license. There are a few exceptions on who needs a fishing license in most states though. We know — the whole “how to get a fishing license in Colorado” system is a bit confusing. But, we’re here to clear it up by simplifying how to fish in Colorado legally as much as possible.

Learn About Colorado’s Fishing Conditions

Fishing licenses for Coloradans age 18 and up are $36.08 plus the $10.40 annual habitat stamp, while nonresident licenses are $100.57 plus the habitat stamp. This is where that 30 percent learning comes from being out there fishing, and not from reading a book. Look for spots on the stream where you think trout would be holding and waiting for the next meal. Remember, they will still be close to cover, feeding, and holding areas. Most insect hatches occur from late spring to early fall and trout catch bugs, which rise from the bottom of the stream to hatch and fly away. Use small nymphs and wet flies to imitate these rising aquatic insects.

The options available to you will depend on whether or not you’re a state resident. To buy your fishing license, please visit the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Shop. Colorado fishing licenses are valid from April 1 to March 31. All licenses expire on March 31 no matter when you originally bought the license.

How Much Does a Fishing License Cost for Every State?

The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission oversees Colorado fishing licenses and administers all regulations. Their mission is to protect wildlife and wildlife habitats today and for future generations. For income eligible residents seniors, the Centennial Program allows for a lifetime fishing license for $10. Through the Colorado Parks & Wildlife website, you can easily register for a wide variety of fishing licenses, ranging from a single-day license to a full annual license. So if you are not a Colorado resident you could be facing $100s of dollars in fines for two fish.

Colorado is one of the few states that have an open fishing season. This means that for a particular duration, anyone can fish in public waters all across the state without the need for a license. In CO, the first full weekend in June is a free weekend when anybody can fish without a fishing license. Colorado residents on active duty for the military can fish for 30 days without a license while on leave.