Colorado · Fishing regulations

Fishing regulations in Colorado.

Colorado is the trout fishing benchmark of the American West — Gold Medal rivers, native cutthroat conservation streams, and high-country lakes that hold fish at 12,000 feet.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife · License: Anglers age 16 and older generally need a valid fishing license to fish in Colorado. Resident and non-resident licenses are sold online through the CPW and at most sporting goods retailers. Annual, multi-day, and lifetime licenses are typically available. Senior, military, and youth discounts apply in most cases. License costs and exact age thresholds change — verify with the CPW before purchase.

Freshwater

Trout dominate Colorado's freshwater identity — rainbow, brown, brook, cutthroat, and lake trout across thousands of miles of streams and hundreds of lakes. Walleye, smallmouth bass, and kokanee live in the larger reservoirs. Year-round fishing is allowed on most waters with statewide bag limits.

Rivers

Colorado designates Gold Medal Waters — premier trout fisheries with quality regulations. The Frying Pan, Roaring Fork, South Platte (Cheesman/Eleven Mile), Gunnison (Black Canyon), and Yampa are flagship trout rivers. Many wild and trophy waters require artificial flies and lures only.

Special

Gold Medal Water regulations protect trophy trout populations — read the specific water rules before fishing. Native Greenback cutthroat trout have catch-and-release-only requirements on designated streams. Two-rod stamps are available as an add-on.

Popular species

Rainbow trout · Brown trout · Cutthroat trout · Brook trout · Lake trout · Kokanee salmon · Walleye

State agency

Colorado Parks and Wildlife

Agency site →

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