Fish Records by Length

In this program, records are by length (inches), as opposed to our other program, records by weight, which does not allow for catch-and-release entries. Unlike the Records by Weight program, these fish must be released in order to qualify. This program requires anglers to follow specific steps for record submission and acceptance.

Old Length Records

Prior to January 2020, the fish that were considered for the Records by Length program came through our Master Angler program. The Master Angler program had minimal length verification requirements to verify the size of the fish before it was released. Because of this, the validity of some catches was brought into question.

To view state records that existed before January 2020, please see the Heritage Master Angler Length Awards. The Heritage Master Angler Length Awards are a culmination of the largest fish of each species that was submitted through our Master Angler program since its inception through 2019.

Apply for a Length Record

The angler will fill out and return the application form (PDF), provide a picture of the fish on a measuring device, and have a witness sign the application. This will be mailed to the Assistant Chief of Hatcheries in Denver.

NOTE: Northern pike and smallmouth bass caught in waters west of the Continental Divide will only be recognized for the State Record by Weight category. As a partner in the Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program and San Juan River Basin Recovery Implementation Program, CPW encourages anglers to catch and keep northern pike and smallmouth bass in most waters on the Western Slope of Colorado.

Applications can be sent to:

Record Fish Program
Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Attention: Assistant Chief of Hatcheries
6060 Broadway, Denver CO 80216
 

Measuring Fish for Record Application