MINTURN ANGLERS
COLORADO FISHING LICENSE & PERMITS
The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission (CPW) oversees Colorado fishing licenses and administers all regulations. Their mission is to protect wildlife and wildlife habitats today and for future generations.
Money collected from license fees is used to maintain hatcheries and stocking programs, studies for conservation and disease prevention, as well as programs to encourage more women and children to take up the sport.
Regular fees also include a $0.25 search and rescue fee, and a $0.75 fee for the Wildlife Council.
A Colorado fishing license gives you access to:
- 6,000 miles of spectacular rivers and streams
- More than 2,000 reservoirs and lakes
- More than 35 species of fish
- Trophy size rainbow trout, brown trout, largemouth bass, yellow perch and walleye pike
When do you need a fishing license?
The first full weekend in June is a free weekend when anybody can fish without a fishing license. At all other times, a fishing license is required for anyone who is 16 or older who fishes in the state. A license is good for a full year, from April 1 to March 31 of the next year.
How much does a fishing license cost in Colorado?
There are different costs for residents and non-residents of the state. With some exceptions, each person must also purchase a $10 Habitat Stamp along with their fishing license. These funds are used to operate the Colorado Wildlife Habitat Protection Program.
Here is a link to the Colorado Parks & Wildlife Fishing License section.
| License & Other Fees | Resident | Nonresident |
| Annual Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Stamp | $25.00 | $50.00 |
| Annual (18 and older) | $34.75 | $96.75 |
| Small Game & Fishing combo (If born after 1948, you must show hunter education card) | $49.75 | N/A |
| Senior Annual (65 years and older) Colorado residents only | $9.75 | N/A |
| Senior Low Income Lifetime Fishing License (65 and older) Colorado residents only | $9.75 | N/A |
| Five-day | N/A | $31.75 |
| One-day | $13.75 | $16.75 |
| Additional-day | $6.75 | $6.75 |
| 2nd Rod Stamp (Available to licensed residents, licensed nonresidents and youth under 16 years, licensed or unlicensed.) | $10.75 | $10.75 |
| Youth (16-17) Second-rod charge still applies. For youth under 16, see the Fishing Brochure. | $9.75 | Free |
| Fees include a .25 cent search & rescue fee, and a $1.50 Wildlife Education Fund surcharge. A $10 Habitat Stamp will be added to 1st license purchase of the year (April 1 to March 31). | ||
Resident Colorado Fishing License Cost
Residents of Colorado who have lived in the state for at least 6 months, documented by a valid Colorado driver’s license or other verifiable ID.
There are some exceptions for resident licenses:
- Colorado residents on active duty with Armed Forces out of state can fish free for 30 days while on temporary leave
- Disability licenses can be obtained by special application from the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission
Non-Resident Colorado Fishing License
Visitors to the state must provide their name and address as well as some personal information. They should specify the kind of license wanted, and indicate whether they plan on having more than one line in the water at a time.
Where can I buy a Colorado Fishing License?
In Colorado, you can buy your fishing license in two ways. You can deal directly with the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission by calling their toll-free number (1-800-244-5613). You can also obtain a Colorado fishing license online through the CPW website.
However, many anglers find it simpler to drop in to one of the many license agents throughout the state to pick up the necessary license in person. This can be done at sporting goods stores or fly fishing shops.
There are two good reasons to buy your next Colorado fishing license from the knowledgeable staff at our Minturn Anglers Locations. They will make sure you:
- Have the right kind of license for legal fishing in the state
- Understand the most up to date regulations, conditions and restrictions for fishing specific waters as these can change from year to year as part of CPW’s ongoing effort to protect fish populations
Drop in to Minturn Anglers, purchase your Colorado fishing license, check out the latest info from CPW and you’ll be ready to enjoying fly fishing in our spectacular Colorado waters!
Fishing Permits
BLM Silt – Eagle River and Lower Colorado River
BLM Kremmling – Upper Colorado River
CO Parks and Wildlife – Roaring Fork, Eagle River, Sylvan Lake, Badger Basin, Charlie Meyers, Spinney Mtn. Tarryall, Tomahawk, 11 Mile SWAs (State Wildlife Areas like Gypsum Ponds)
Clear Creek County – Clear Creek
USFS – White River National Forest – Upper Eagle River, Homestake Creek, Camp Hale