Fishing Licenses and Dates

Annual fishing licenses are valid March 1 through March 31 (13 months). Annual licenses go on sale March 1 each year. Youth under the age of 15 fish for free.
Two men fish off opposite ends of a small motorboat.

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An angler fishes from a pontoon boat at Stagecoach State Park.

An angler fishes from a pontoon boat at Stagecoach State Park.

Fishing Licenses

Fishing Licenses and Dates

Anglers can purchase their license online, by phone at 1-800-244-5613​​, at a CPW location or through a sales agent.

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.

What You Need to Purchase a License

An angler reels in a fish while his dog looks on.

Fishing Licenses

Free Fishing Weekend

You can fish in Colorado without a license only on the first full weekend of June, each year. All other rules and regulations apply.

Fishing Licenses For Youth

A youth angler holds up his catch.

Resident Youth ages 16 to 18

For Colorado youth aged 16 to 17. Second-rod charge still applies.

 A young angler fishes from the shore.

Youth Under 15

All youth under 15 can take a full bag and possession limit without a license.

A youth angler reels in a potential catch.

Non-resident Youth ages 16 to 18

Non-resident youth aged 16-18 must also purchase the non-resident adult annual fishing license.

A youth angler smiles and holds up two fishing rods.

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.

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.

mountain lion

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 License

Fishing Licenses For Colorado Seniors

An angler smiles and holds his fishing rod at Cherry Creek State Park.

​Senior Annual Fishing

For Colorado residents aged 65 and older.

A group of hunters with a dog in a field.

​Senior Annual Small Game and Fishing Combination

For Colorado residents aged 65 and older.

Two anglers relax in their camp chairs and wait for a bite on their lines.

Centennial​ ​Senior Lifetime Fishing

For income-eligible Colorado residents aged 64 and older. Residents must apply for this fishing license.

A hunter in a field.

​​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.

An angler reels in a fish with one of his two fishing rods.

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

An angler in his wheelchair fishes from shore.

Columbine Lifetime Fishing License

For any Colorado resident who has a total and permanent disability. Residents must apply for this fishing license.

The United States of America flag and the Colorado state flag.

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.

Fishing poles lined up and ready for anglers to use them.

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.

A rusty crayfish.

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 and Fees

    Fishing Licenses and Fees

    Annual Habitat Stamp

    Residents and Nonresidents

    $12.15

    ​​Annual Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Stamp

    Required for all resident motorboats and sailboats.

    $25.00

    ​​Annual Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Stamp

    Required for all non-resident motorboats and sailboats.

    $50.00

    Annual Fishing License

    For resident adults aged 18 to 64.

    $41.83

    Annual Fishing License

    For non-residents 16 years of age or older

    $117.14

    Youth Under 15 Fishing

    Youth 15 and under can take a full bag and possession limit without a license but a second-rod stamp is still required if fishing with a second line.

    No Cost

    Non-Resident Five Day Fishing

    Non-residents can fish for five days with this license.

    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.

    $38.19

    One Day Fishing

    Residents can fish for one day with this license.  Customers buying a one-day or additional day license are exempt from the Habitat Stamp fee with the first two of these licenses, but the Habitat Stamp fee will be assessed when a third license is purchased.

    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.

    $16.33

    One Day Fishing

    Non-residents can fish for one day with this license. Customers buying a one-day or additional day license are exempt from the Habitat Stamp fee with the first two of these licenses, but the Habitat Stamp fee will be assessed when a third license is purchased.

    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.

    $19.97

    Additional Day Fishing

    Anglers can add an additional day. Customers buying a one-day or additional day license are exempt from the Habitat Stamp fee with the first two of these licenses, but the Habitat Stamp fee will be assessed when a third license is purchased.

    $7.82

    Second Rod Stamp

    All anglers who have purchased a fishing license can purchase a second-rod stamp for themselves. Youth under 16 must also purchase a second-rod stamp if fishing with a second line.

    $12.68

    Commercial License

    An annual license is required to take or possess bait fish, amphibians, or crustaceans for commercial purposes. Licensees must provide live-fish buyers with a receipt stating the seller’s name, date of sale, species and number sold. Review the requirements in the application on CPWShop.com.

    $40.00

    Fishing Licenses and Fees

    ​Senior Annual

    For Colorado residents aged 65 and older.

    $11.47

    Youth Annual

    For Colorado youth aged 16 to 17. Second-rod charge still applies. Youth under 15 can take a full bag and possession limit without a license but a second-rod stamp is still required if fishing with a second line.

    $11.47

    Youth Under 15 Fishing

    A youth 15 and under  can take a full bag and possession limit without a license but a second-rod stamp is still required if fishing with a second line.

    No Cost

    Small Game and Fishing Combination

    For Colorado residents.

    $60.05

    ​Senior Annual Small Game and Fishing Combination

    For Colorado residents aged 65 and older.

    $35.52

    Centennial​ ​Senior Lifetime Fishing

    For income-eligible Colorado residents aged 64 and older. Residents must apply for this fishing license.

    $11.21

    Columbine Lifetime Fishing License

    For any Colorado resident who has a total and permanent disability. Residents must apply for this fishing license.

    No Cost

    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.

    No Cost

    First Responder Lifetime Small Game and Fishing Combination

    Colorado resident first responders who have a service-connected disability are eligible for a lifetime fishing license or a lifetime small game and fishing combination license. Residents must apply for this fishing license.

    No Cost

    ​​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.

    $35.32

    Facility-based Fishing License

    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 not available for "day program" facilities. Facilities must apply for these fishing licenses.

    No Cost

    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.

    No Cost

    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.

    When to Purchase

    New Year License Start Date

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    Colorado Fishing Brochure

    Colorado Fishing Broch​​ure

    Colorado Fishing Broch​​ure

    The online Fishing brochure is the most up-to-date version.​​​

    Download the Brochure
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    Pesca en Colorado​ (En Español)​​​​​​​

    El folleto de Pesca en línea es la versión más actualizada.

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