Fishing Licenses and Dates
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Purchase a Fishing License
Annual fishing licenses are valid from March 1 through March 31 of the following year (13 months).
Thank you for your support! Your license purchase helps support a diversity of recreational fishing opportunities in Colorado’s rivers, streams and lakes, while also providing for the needs of native, non-game aquatic species.
Fishing License Tip
Fish While You Wait for Your License
A temporary authorization number (TAN) can be used until the license(s) are received in the mail and is valid for 45 days after the date of purchase. Please print or write down the TAN and carry it with you while fishing.
When you purchase 1-day or 5-day fishing license and the selected dates are within 15-days of the transaction date, you will not be mailed a physical license. You will need to use the TAN number listed on your email confirmation letter.
Fishing Licenses and Fees
Resident Fishing Licenses and Fees
License Type |
Hunter Type |
Fee |
|---|---|---|
|
Only one is required per person, ages 18–64, per year buying or applying for a license. |
$12.47 |
|
|
Lifetime Habitat Stamp |
$374.47 |
|
|
Annual Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Stamp |
Required for all resident motorboats and sailboats. |
$25.00 |
|
Adult Annual Fishing License |
Ages 18–63 |
$42.91 |
|
Senior Annual Fishing License |
Ages 64+ |
$11.73 |
|
Youth Fishing License |
Ages 16–17 (second-rod stamp charge still applies; see below) |
$11.73 |
|
Small Game and Fishing Combo |
$61.62 |
|
|
Senior Small Game and Fishing Combo |
Ages 64+ |
$36.22 |
|
Senior Annual Small Game Upgrade for Lifetime Fishing and Resident Low Income Senior Fishing Annual License Holders |
$26.24 |
|
|
Second-rod Stamp |
A second-rod stamp per year is available to anyone who has purchased |
$12.98 |
|
One-day Fishing |
Customers buying a one-day or one-additional-day license are exempt from the Habitat Stamp fee with the first two of these licenses. The Habitat Stamp fee will be assessed when a third license of this type is purchased. |
$16.72 |
|
Additional-day Fishing |
Customers buying a one-day or one-additional-day license are exempt from the Habitat Stamp fee with the first two of these licenses. The Habitat Stamp fee will be assessed when a third license of this type is purchased. |
$7.99 |
All license fees include a 25-cent search-and-rescue fee and a $1.50 fee for the Wildlife Education Fund.
Nonresident Fishing Licenses and Fees
License Type |
Hunter Type |
Fee |
|---|---|---|
|
Annual Habitat Stamp (nonrefundable) |
Only one is required per person, ages 18–64, per year buying or applying for a license. |
$12.47 |
|
Lifetime Habitat Stamp |
$374.47 |
|
|
Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Stamp |
required for motorboats and sailboats |
$50.00 |
|
Annual |
Ages 16+ |
$120.25 |
|
Five-day |
Ages 16+ |
$39.17 |
|
Second-rod Stamp |
A second-rod stamp per year is available to anyone who has purchased a fishing license and to any youth under 16. |
$12.98 |
|
One-day Fishing |
Customers (Ages 16+ ) buying a one-day or one-additional-day license are exempt from the Habitat Stamp fee with the first two of these licenses. The Habitat Stamp fee will be assessed when a third license of this type is purchased. |
$20.46 |
|
Additional-day Fishing |
Customers buying a one-day or one-additional-day license are exempt from the Habitat Stamp fee with the first two of these licenses. The Habitat Stamp fee will be assessed when a third license of this type is purchased. |
$7.99 |
All license fees include a 25-cent search-and-rescue fee and a $1.50 fee for the Wildlife Education Fund.
What You Need to Purchase a License
Government Issued Identification
You’ll need to have government issued identification to purchase a fishing license.
See all Accepted Forms of IdentificationProof of Residency
Colorado residents must provide proof of residency to purchase any fishing licenses set aside for Colorado residents.
See all Accepted Forms of Proof of ResidencySocial Security or Taxpayer Identification Number
A Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number is required for hunters age 12 and older, per federal law.
Habitat Stamp
All anglers must purchase a habitat stamp with their license. One habitat stamp is required per year.
Learn More About the Colorado Wildlife Habitat ProgramFishing Licenses For Youth
Resident Youth ages 16 to 18
For Colorado youth aged 16 to 17. Second-rod charge still applies.
Youth Under 16
All youth under 16 can take a full bag and possession limit without a license.
Non-resident Youth ages 16 to 18
Non-resident youth aged 16-18 must also purchase the non-resident adult annual fishing license.
Second Rod Stamp
All youth fishing with a second line must also purchase a second-rod stamp.
For Armed Services Members
Thank you for your service!
Colorado Parks and Wildlife is proud to offer a free Lifetime Fishing License or a Lifetime Fishing and Small Game Hunting Combination License (VA combo license) to veterans with a service-connected disability.
VA combo license holders are exempt from purchasing a Habitat Stamp each year. The VA combo license will only be valid as long as the applicant maintains their Colorado residency.
Active Armed Forces
Colorado residents on active duty with U.S. armed forces out of state can fish free without a license while here on temporary leave, maximum of 30 days a year. You must carry official leave papers while fishing.
Veteran Lifetime Small Game and Fishing Combination
Veterans living in Colorado who have a service-connected disability are eligible for a lifetime fishing license or a lifetime small game and fishing combination license. Veterans must apply for this fishing license.
Apply for a Veteran Lifetime Small Game and Fishing LicenseFishing Licenses For Colorado Seniors
Senior Annual Fishing
For Colorado residents aged 64 and older.
Senior Annual Small Game and Fishing Combination
For Colorado residents aged 64 and older.
Centennial Senior Annual Fishing
For income-eligible Colorado residents aged 64 and older. Residents must apply for this fishing license.
Annual Small Game Upgrade for Senior Lifetime Fishing License Holders
Colorado residents with a Centennial (income-eligible) Senior lifetime fishing license or a Columbine lifetime fishing license can purchase a reduced-cost small game license annually.
Fishing Licenses
Fishing with a Second Line
Anglers can use a second rod, hand line or tip-up by purchasing a second-rod stamp. One stamp is allowed per season and is non transferable. A second-rod stamp does not entitle an angler to an additional bag limit, nor can it be used for another person to fish. A second-rod stamp is not required when only using trot-lines or jugs.
Fishing Licenses for Colorado Residents and First Responders with Disabilities
Columbine Lifetime Fishing License
For any Colorado resident who has a total and permanent disability. Residents must apply for this fishing license.
First Responder Lifetime Small Game and Fishing Combination
First Responders who are residents of Colorado and have a permanent occupational disability or disease as a result of their official duties are eligible to apply for a free lifetime fishing or small game combo license and parks pass. First Responder Lifetime License holders are exempt from the Habitat Stamp requirement. Residents must apply for this fishing license.
Mental Health Institution Fishing Licenses
Mental health institutions that provide 24-hour, 7-day-a-week care to patients can apply for a Facility-based Fishing License that covers all their patients. The license is good for the calendar year in which it was issued and must be renewed each year. The license is not available for "day program" facilities. For information about the program call 303-291-7235 or submit an application.
Fishing Licenses
Commercial Fishing Licenses
An annual license is required to take or possess bait fish, amphibians, or crustaceans for commercial purposes. Review the requirements in the application on CPWShop.com.
Fishing Licenses
Digitally Display Your License
Resident fishing licenses are now accessible through myColorado™, the State of Colorado’s official mobile app™! Anglers purchase their licenses the same way they always have, but have the option to display it within the app.
The specific fishing licenses and stamps available include:
- Annual licenses: adult, youth, senior
- Senior licenses: annual, senior low-income lifetime
- Daily licenses: 1 day, additional-day
- Other licenses: Disability lifetime, VA lifetime, first responder lifetime
- Stamps: Extra rod stamp
Resident small game hunting & fishing combination licenses are not currently available.
Download the myColorado App
The app can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Visit myColorado.gov to learn more. Check out the FAQ to learn how to access your resident fishing license within the app Wallet.
Colorado Fishing Brochure
Colorado Fishing Brochure
The online Fishing brochure is the most up-to-date version.
Download the BrochurePesca en Colorado (En Español)
El folleto de Pesca en línea es la versión más actualizada.
Descargue el Folleto