Fishing
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.
Summertime Drought Management
Water temperatures and stream flows can change during the summer months, creating adverse conditions for anglers, boaters, fish and other animals. Irrigation demands and restrictions on releasing water from lakes and reservoirs can also lead to low flows and high temperatures.
Lakes, ponds and streams can be temporarily closed to the public if water storage levels or stream flow drops below stable levels. A list of all low-water or other drought-related closures is available below.
Colorado offers unrivaled opportunities to fish over 35 species (both warm and cold-water fish) in some of the most scenic bodies of water in the nation. Licensed fishing is allowed on more than 6,000 miles of streams and over 1,300 lakes and reservoirs. In drought conditions, try exploring alpine lakes and streams, where water is cooler. Fishing for warm-water species is another good option.
Water recreation:
- Low water makes it impossible to use boats ramps. If rescue vessels can’t launch to respond to emergencies, water closures become necessary.
Drought brings the water’s surface closer to invisible hazards on lake and river bottoms. Boaters should wear a life jacket and take extra care when boating on low water. - Drought can lead to toxic algae blooms or elevated E. coli levels, making it necessary to close swim beaches.
Fishing:
- Drought conditions stress fish and can lead to voluntary or mandatory fishing closures.
- In water temperatures at or above 71 degrees, cold-water species are less likely to recover after being caught and released.
- As water temperatures approach 71 degrees, trout become stressed and feed less, reducing catch rates.
Camping/Hiking Trails:
- Drought conditions can lead to fire bans.
- Wildfires can make it necessary to close or partially close recreation areas.
Wildlife Conflict:
- Wildlife, especially bears, may seek food from garbage cans, cars, campsites or homes if wildfires reduce their natural food supply.
- Follow CPW guidance to reduce attractants around campsites and your home to reduce conflicts with bears and other wildlife.
- CPW’s Aquatics Section attends monthly Colorado Water Conservation Board Water Conditions Monitoring Committee meetings for updates on river flows and reservoir levels across the state.
- Some conditions on the Roaring Fork River have warranted closures in the past, but CPW biologists are actively monitoring the situation and will respond accordingly.
- About one-third of Colorado is experiencing severe drought or worse, especially in parts of the Colorado River headwaters region.
- Colorado headwaters, normally fed by snowmelt, are below normal levels this year because of little snow this past winter.
- Water managers are are considering instream flow loans and coordinated reservoir releases to support rivers and fish habitat.
- The Colorado Water Conservation Board’s Water Conditions Monitoring Committee will continue tracking drought indicators like snowpack, precipitation, temperature, streamflow, soil moisture and reservoir storage.
- Summer Fishing Tips Video
- Follow CPW mandatory or voluntary closures.
- Head to a different location if the water temperature is 70 degrees or higher.
- Fish earlier in the day and higher elevation for cooler water temperatures.
- Land fish quickly and keep fish submerged when removing the hook.
- Release fish quickly and avoid taking photos.
Stay Informed!
CPW Fishing Newsletter
Stay updated with Colorado's latest Fishing news! CPW's Fishing eNews provides information on regulations, special events, public access opportunities, and much more. Sign up today to become part of our community!
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.
Featured Issue
2025 Colorado Outdoors Fishing Guide
This year's Annual Guide highlights the incredible stories that make Colorado fishing unique. From tips and tales of long backpacking trips into the Indian Peaks, Gore Range, Mount Zirkel Wilderness, and San Juan Mountains in search of trout, to Colorado hatcheries catering to warm-water game fish, this guide showcases the fantastic experiences that Colorado has to offer!
Annual Guide - view contents.
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.
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!
Video: Teaching others to fish - Eeland Stribling
Find Your Volunteer
Meet Eeland Stribling
Eeland genuinely cares about our planet, the environment, and wildlife. He believes that helping people appreciate the value of these elements can rally more individuals to protect them as a community. Learn why Eeland chooses to be a CPW Angler Outreach Volunteer.
Help pass on YOUR passion for fishing! The feeling of seeing and helping someone catch their very first fish is something you will never forget!
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.
Plan Your Fishing Trip
Licenses
Licenses can be purchased online, over the phone, or in person at hundreds of retail locations.
See License Options
Register, 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 Boat
Download 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.gov
Places 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 Styles
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!
Your Voice Matters
Sportsperson's Roundtable
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) depends on feedback and advice from our state’s hunters and anglers to make the best decisions about the management of fish, wildlife, and habitat. In order to discuss issues and gather ideas, CPW convenes a statewide Sportsperson’s Roundtable and holds regional sportsperson meetings. The Sportsperson’s Roundtable fosters information sharing between the hunting, angling and trapping community and CPW on issues that pertain to wildlife recreation and management in Colorado.
Grow Your Skills
There's a clinic or event for anglers of all ages and skill levels. Find one near you.
Jun
18
Learn to Fish Clinic
Jun 18, 2026 · 9:30am - Jun 18, 2026 · 11:30am
Mueller State Park
Want to try fishing, but unsure where to start? Join this class and learn to fish. No experience required.
Jun
18
Learn to Fish Clinic
Jun 18, 2026 · 9:30am - Jun 18, 2026 · 11:30am
Mueller State Park
Want to try fishing, but unsure where to start? Join this class and learn to fish. No experience required.
Jun
20
Little Lines, Big Fish Youth Fishing Clinic
Jun 20, 2026 · 10:00am - Jun 20, 2026 · 12:00pm
Lathrop State Park
Learn how to catch the "big one" at Lathrop's fishing clinic for kids under 16 years of age.
Jun
20
Little Lines, Big Fish Youth Fishing Clinic
Jun 20, 2026 · 10:00am - Jun 20, 2026 · 12:00pm
Lathrop State Park
Learn how to catch the "big one" at Lathrop's fishing clinic for kids under 16 years of age.
Jul
4
Hook, Line, and Sinker: July 4th Kids Fishing Clinic
Jul 4, 2026 · 9:00am - Jul 4, 2026 · 11:00am
Ridgway State Park
Celebrate Independence Day with a splash! Kick off your holiday morning at the Pa-Co-Chu-Puk Ponds for a fun, hands-on fishing...
Jul
4
Hook, Line, and Sinker: July 4th Kids Fishing Clinic
Jul 4, 2026 · 9:00am - Jul 4, 2026 · 11:00am
Ridgway State Park
Celebrate Independence Day with a splash! Kick off your holiday morning at the Pa-Co-Chu-Puk Ponds for a fun, hands-on fishing...
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 Altas
Colorado 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 Guide
Colorado 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 Network
USGS 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.gov
Fish 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 Brochure
Pesca en Colorado (En Español)
El folleto de Pesca en línea es la versión más actualizada.
Ver 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