Fishing
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Investing in Conservation
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.
35 +
Fish Species
6000 +
Miles of Stream
1300 +
Lakes and Resevoirs
39
Gold Medal Waters
fishing at Nee Noshee Reservoir
Fishing Spotlight
Colorado Quality Waters
Choose from a list of more than 50 fishing waters to plan your next fishing adventure!
CPW's List of Quality Waters includes lakes and streams that contain productive, quality fisheries with public access and are fishable by most angling methods. The waters may have been nominated for one species or a whole suite of species.
Video: Anglers like me? We’re a pain in the ANS.
Protect our Waters
Be a pain in the ANS!
Invasive mussels, plants, and other invertebrates are a growing threat to our state's incredible water resources. Help protect what we love and always clean, drain, and dry your gear between each and every use. When you go fishing, there’s more than just a big one on the line. The future of Colorado’s water is in our hands (and on our boots).
Be a pain in the ANS and stop aquatic invaders in their tracks!
Colorado Angler Survey Summary Report
Fishing Report
Colorado Angler Survey Summary Report
This study assessed anglers’ fishing behaviors and experiences in Colorado, evaluated their attitudes
towards fish management, and examined fishing pressure throughout the state. This survey was also
intended to identify any changes over time in the preferences of those fishing in Colorado’s waters. The results
of this study will ultimately be used to inform future fish hatchery and fish management plans for the state of
Colorado.
Take a friend fishing!
Enter to Win Prizes
Take a friend fishing.
For the sixth consecutive year, Colorado Parks and Wildlife and our partner Colorado fishing companies are encouraging anglers to take a friend fishing. As a reward for sharing your expertise and love of fishing, we’ve created a contest for mentors who take the time to pass on their knowledge. We are now offering prizes for the mentor as well as the mentee!
Boatable waters of Colorado as mapped by Colorado Parks & Wildlife
Fishing Access
Fishing from a boat?
Use the CPW Boatable Waters Map to plan your next fishing trip.
This map identifies boating opportunities around the state. Details for each location include the availability of boat ramps and ANS inspection stations. For regulations at specific waters, prefer to the Colorado Fishing Brochure.
Expert Insights
Fishery Surveys Summaries
Plan your next fishing adventure with info from the experts.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is the lead agency responsible for fisheries management of public waters in the State of Colorado. The data collected in our Fishery Surveys Summaries is used to track fish population trends, evaluate the effectiveness of management actions such as stocking and regulations, and establish realistic management goals for a given lake or stream. CPW is pleased to share the survey information from some of Colorado’s most popular angling waters.
Plan Your Fishing Trip
Licenses
Licenses can be purchased online, over the phone, or in person at hundreds of retail locations.
See License OptionsRegister, ANS Stamp, Inspection, Decontamination
Any boat (motor or sail) operated in Colorado must be registered and purchase an ANS stamp. Get a mandatory boat inspection before your hit the water, and get decontaminated afterwards.
Prepare Your BoatDownload the myColorado App
Carry your fishing license on your phone. Follow the FAQ to learn how to access your license within the app wallet. The app can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Visit myColorado.govPlaces to Fish
Search for fishing opportunities by species or by proximity to your home or destination.
Find a Fishing SpotLearn to Fish
Looking to learn to fish, or know someone who is? Start here with simple guides and gear lists or take a fishing clinic for hands-on practice with a seasoned angler or CPW staff member.
Fishing Basics
Getting started isn’t complicated. Follow our basic equipment guide and you’ll be hooked before you know it!
Bait Fishing
This popular angling method uses a bait fishing rig and a fishing hook.
Fly Fishing
This popular angling method that involves using a lightweight artificial fly to catch fish.
Ice Fishing
This winter activity that involves drilling a hole in the ice and dropping a fishing line through it in order to catch fish.
What fish is that?
Learn the characteristics of fish in Colorado, including how to tell the difference between the fish you can legally take, and the protected fish you can't.
Accessible Fishing
Find an Accessible Fishing Spot
Colorado Parks and Wildlife maintains a list of accessible fishing locations for anglers with disabilities.
Select the region below to find accessible fishing access near you, or visit the park finder to find a park with accessible fishing:
Columbine Lifetime Fishing License
For any Colorado resident who has a total and permanent disability. Residents must apply for this fishing license.
Clean Your Gear: Angling
Aquatic Nuisance Species
Help Protect Colorado's Waters
Learn how to clean, drain and dry angling gear with Grace, a CPW Invasive Species Program Technician, and Danny Frank, Owner of Colorado Trout Hunters and help prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species in Colorado.
The Latest From The Water
Catch Up on the Latest Surveys and Reports
Whether you are a seasoned angler or a novice, keeping up with the latest fishing reports and surveys can help you make the most of your time on the water. Stay Up-to-Date on stocking and catch trends.
Fishing eNews
Would you like to be notified about the latest fishing news from CPW? Join our email newsletter and be the first to know about the hottest fishing spots, events, and more.
Stocking Report
The stocking report identifies where catchable trout (approximately 10 inches) were recently stocked.
The report is updated every Friday during the fishing season and lists waters that were scheduled to be stocked throughout the previous week. Many factors can potentially impact when fish can be stocked, so the scheduled stocking dates that are used to generate this report are subject to change without notice.
Fishery Survey Summaries
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) fisheries biologists are now providing to the public online survey summaries by water. CPW conducts hundreds of lake and stream surveys each year. The first page of the documents provides general information about fishing in particular waters, such as location and access. A second page highlights detailed information regarding fishery management aspects.
More waters will be added over time, and updates will be provided for waters that are currently available. High-priority and brood waters such as Chatfield, Pueblo, Horsetooth, and the Gunnison River are surveyed annually, while smaller, more remote, or lightly used lakes or streams may only be surveyed once every 5-10 years.
Catch a Record
Fishing Awards and Records
Colorado Parks and Wildlife recognizes licensed anglers who catch exceptionally large fish through three separate programs, Record by Weight, Record by Length (released only) and Master Angler. Learn more about what it takes to be a Colorado record holder!
Hatcheries
Your Fishin' is Our Mission!
Since 1881, Colorado Parks & Wildlife fish hatcheries have been dedicated to improving the fish populations of our beautiful state. Today, CPW operates 19 hatcheries that breed, hatch, rear and stock over 90 million fish per year. Many of the fish produced are to enhance angling opportunities, while others serve a critical role in native species recovery efforts. Colorado fish hatcheries support our angling pastime, which annually contributes 2.4 billion dollars to our state's economy!
Grow Your Skills
There's a clinic or event for anglers of all ages and skill levels. Find one near you.
Jul
5
Ridgway Reservoir Smallmouth Bass Classic Tournament
Saturday, Jul 5 - Sunday, Aug 10
Ridgway State Park
Colorado Parks and Wildlife invites you to the annual Ridgway Reservoir Smallmouth Bass Classic at Ridgway State Park. Anglers...
Jul
5
Ridgway Reservoir Smallmouth Bass Classic Tournament
Saturday, Jul 5 - Sunday, Aug 10
Ridgway State Park
Colorado Parks and Wildlife invites you to the annual Ridgway Reservoir Smallmouth Bass Classic at Ridgway State Park. Anglers...
Jul
7
Fly Fishing 101
Monday, Jul 7
Staunton State Park
Ever wanted to give fly fishing a try but didn't know where to start? Are you new to fly fishing and looking for some tips to...
Jul
7
Fly Fishing 101
Monday, Jul 7
Staunton State Park
Ever wanted to give fly fishing a try but didn't know where to start? Are you new to fly fishing and looking for some tips to...
Jul
15
Learn to Fish at Staunton State Park
Tuesday, Jul 15
Jul
15
Learn to Fish at Staunton State Park
Tuesday, Jul 15
Staunton State Park
Learn to fish at Staunton State Park with CPW staff and volunteers
More Fishing Resources
The Colorado Fishing Atlas
The Colorado Fishing Atlas, the latest interactive mapping tool offered by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, allows users to search for fishing opportunities by species, specific interest or proximity to your home or destination. Information includes accessible fishing access, stocked waters, boat ramps, special fishing regulations, stream gages (including links to real-time data) and more.
Visit the Fishing AltasColorado Outdoors Annual Fishing Guide
Find fishing guides for the metro area and other Colorado locations, fishing techniques, hidden gems, and read about other anglers fishing succeses and failures. Buy the Colorado Outdoors Magazine Fishing guide, or get it free with a magazine subscription.
Get the Fishing GuideColorado Fishing Network
Comprehensive information about fishing in Colorado. Features where to fish, maps, regional features, reports, photos, stories, guides, and conditions.
Visit the Colorado Fishing NetworkUSGS Water Data
The National Water Information System (NWIS) Mapper provides access to over 1.5 million sites contained in the USGS National Water Information System (NWIS), including sites where current and historical surface-water, groundwater, springs, and atmospheric datas has been collected.
Learn More at USGS.govFish Explorer
FishExplorer is an angler-owned, angler-managed, angler-produced project with a perpetual goal to offer the best, most thorough, and most up-to-date fishing resource in the state under one roof.
Visit FishExplorer
Extend Your Adventure
Make it a Fishing Weekend
Getaway for the weekend.
Arrive and spend a relaxing evening fishing nearby your cabin. Wake up early and take your boat out on the water, or sleep in take a leisurely stroll down to the water with your fishing poles. Check out on Sunday, and get in a few more hours of fishing in before you head home.
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 FolletoColorado Fishing Reports
Statewide Angler Survey Fact Sheet
How happy are Colorado anglers? Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) conducted an angler survey of 6,000 Colorado anglers who purchased fishing licenses. View the report for the facts.
Statewide Angler Survey Fact Sheet
Colorado Sportfishing Economics Fact Sheet
The more than $2.0 billion spent by anglers to participate in fishing activities in Colorado during 2022 contributed significantly to the state’s economy. In 2022, fishing in the state of Colorado supported over 15,000 jobs, providing more than $860 million in salaries and wages.
Colorado Sportfishing Economics Fact Sheet