What will it cost? Calculator
Pick your trip and we'll work out the cheapest licenses to buy, including any required stamps.
Licenses and prices
Checked Nov 4, 2026Prices for 2026-27. Prices include a $1.25 search and rescue fee and a $1.50 Wildlife Education Fund fee.
How long annual licenses last: Annual licenses go on sale March 1 and run to March 31 the following year (up to 13 months). Official source
Non-residents (visitors)
| License | Water | Length | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-resident annual fishing license | Fresh | Annual | $124.01 |
Includes: Also the license for non-residents aged 16 to 18 Official source |
| Non-resident five-day fishing license | Fresh | 5 days | $41.04 | Official source |
| Non-resident one-day fishing license | Fresh | 1 day | $21.90 |
Includes: Extra days $9.13 each. No Habitat Stamp for the first two day licenses in a season. Extra consecutive days $9.13 each. Official source |
Residents
| License | Water | Length | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resident one-day fishing license | Fresh | 1 day | $18.07 |
Includes: Extra days $9.13 each. No Habitat Stamp for the first two day licenses in a season. Extra consecutive days $9.13 each. Official source |
| Age-limited licenses | ||||
| Resident annual fishing license Ages 18–63 | Fresh | Annual | $44.87 | Official source |
| Resident youth annual fishing license (16-17) Ages 16–17 | Fresh | Annual | $12.96 | Official source |
| Resident senior annual fishing license (64+) Ages 64+ | Fresh | Annual | $12.96 | Official source |
| Special licenses (conditions apply; not used by the calculator) | ||||
| Resident small game and fishing combination | Fresh | Annual | $64.02 |
Only for: Includes small game hunting. Shown for hunters; the calculator quotes the fishing-only license. Official source |
| Resident senior small game and fishing combination (64+) | Fresh | Annual | $38.03 |
Only for: Includes small game hunting. Shown for hunters. Official source |
| Centennial senior annual fishing license | Fresh | Annual | Free |
Only for: Income-eligible Colorado residents aged 64 or over; apply to CPW. Price not stated on CPW's page. Official source |
Extra stamps and permits
Checked Nov 4, 2026Some of these are required: the calculator adds them automatically.
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Annual Habitat Stamp
$12.76Required for everyone with annual, 5 days licenses (ages 18–64)
Needed by anglers aged 18 to 64 with a license. Not needed for your first two one-day or extra-day licenses in a season. One per season; a lifetime stamp is $384.16.
Everyone Official source2
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Second-rod stamp
$14.24Fishing with a second line, hand line or tip-up. Doesn't raise the bag limit.
Everyone Official source
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Aquatic Nuisance Species stamp (Colorado-registered boats)
$25Motorboats and sailboats registered in Colorado. Not needed for anglers without a boat.
Residents Official source
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Aquatic Nuisance Species stamp (boats registered elsewhere)
$50Motorboats and sailboats not registered in Colorado.
Non-residents Official source
Who doesn't need a license
Checked Nov 4, 2026-
Anyone under 16 (full bag and possession limits still apply)
Fresh Everyone Official source
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Colorado residents on active duty outside Colorado, during leave (up to 30 days a year, carry leave papers)
Fresh Residents · check this applies to you Official source
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Colorado veterans with a service-connected disability (free lifetime fishing license)
Fresh Residents · check this applies to you Official source
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Colorado residents with a total and permanent disability (Columbine lifetime license, by application)
Fresh Residents · check this applies to you Official source
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Colorado first responders with a permanent occupational disability (free lifetime license)
Fresh Residents · check this applies to you Official source
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Anyone, on Colorado's free fishing weekend (license and Habitat Stamp waived)
Fresh Everyone Official source
Fishing licenses from other states aren't valid in Colorado, except under the border-water agreements below.
Free fishing days
Checked Nov 4, 2026Dates can move, and some free days are for residents only. Confirm with CPW before you go.
Next dates not yet announced. Check the official page.
The rule: One weekend in early June, set by CPW.
License and Habitat Stamp waived for residents and non-residents. All other rules apply.
Residents and visitors
Checked Nov 4, 2026- Who counts as a resident
- Lived in Colorado for at least six consecutive months immediately before buying, with your main home in Colorado and a Colorado driver license or ID card issued at least six months earlier. Under-18s count as residents if their main legal guardian does.
- Military
- Active-duty members stationed in Colorado on official orders, or with Colorado as their home of record, qualify; their spouse and dependents share the same status. Reserve and National Guard service doesn't count as active duty.
- Students
- Out-of-state students need to be enrolled full time at a Colorado school for at least six months before buying. Colorado residents studying full time out of state can keep their residency.
How to buy a Colorado fishing license
Checked Nov 4, 2026Sold online, by phone and at license agents and CPW offices.
- Online
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife license sales
- Phone
- 1-800-244-5613
- App
- myColorado
- License on your phone
- Accepted
- ID needed
- Government-issued ID needed to buy. Residents must show proof of residency for resident licenses.
Buy online through CPWShop, by phone, or at CPW offices and license agents. Resident fishing licenses can be shown in the myColorado app (combination small game and fishing licenses can't yet). A temporary authorization number covers you for 45 days while a posted license arrives. Every angler also needs a yearly Habitat Stamp.
Charters, guides and piers
Checked Nov 4, 2026Yes: everyone who fishes needs their own license.
Colorado has no license that covers a guide's clients: everyone aged 16 or over fishing on a guided trip needs their own Colorado fishing license (and Habitat Stamp).
Secondary source: Front Range Anglers (Colorado fishing guide)
Charter rules depend on the boat and where you fish. Ask the captain, and check CPW's rules before you book.
Border waters
Navajo Reservoir (Colorado–New Mexico)
About two-thirds of the reservoir is in New Mexico. You need a New Mexico fishing license to fish that part; it can be bought online before your visit. Official source
Other border waters
We couldn't find any license-sharing agreement with neighboring states on Colorado's official pages, and FishingBooker says there are none. Near the Wyoming, Nebraska, Utah or New Mexico lines, stay on the Colorado side or carry the other state's license too. Secondary source: FishingBooker: Colorado Fishing License guide
Seasons and limits
Checked Nov 4, 2026Limits change, and many lakes, rivers and coastal areas have their own rules. Check CPW's current rules before you keep a fish.
Statewide general limits. Many Colorado waters have special rules (Gold Medal waters, artificial-only, catch and release). Possession limit equals the daily bag unless stated (trout: 8).
| Species | Where | Size | Daily bag | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trout Fresh Also: rainbow trout, brown trout, cutthroat trout, lake trout |
Statewide | – | 4 in total (8 in possession) | – |
| Includes lake trout, char, grayling, salmon and whitefish but not kokanee. Brook trout 8" or under: 10 extra a day. Secondary source: Colorado fishing regulations (eRegulations) Trout limits in other states | ||||
| Kokanee salmon Fresh | Statewide | – | 10 (10 in possession) | – |
| Secondary source: Colorado fishing regulations (eRegulations) Salmon limits in other states | ||||
| Walleye, saugeye and sauger Fresh | Statewide | – | 5 in total | – |
| Walleye, saugeye and sauger | Arkansas and South Fork Republican drainages | – | 10 in total | – |
| Secondary source: Colorado fishing regulations (eRegulations) Walleye limits in other states | ||||
| Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass Fresh | Statewide | – | 5 in total | – |
| Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass | West of the Continental Divide | – | Smallmouth: no limit | – |
| Secondary source: Colorado fishing regulations (eRegulations) Largemouth bass limits in other states | ||||
| White bass, striped bass and wipers Fresh | Statewide | – | 10 in total | – |
| White bass, striped bass and wipers | Arkansas and South Fork Republican drainages | – | 20 in total | – |
| Secondary source: Colorado fishing regulations (eRegulations) | ||||
| Channel, blue and flathead catfish Fresh | Statewide | – | 10 in total | – |
| Secondary source: Colorado fishing regulations (eRegulations) Catfish limits in other states | ||||
| Crappie Fresh | Statewide | – | 20 in total | – |
| Secondary source: Colorado fishing regulations (eRegulations) Crappie limits in other states | ||||
| Sunfish Fresh Also: bluegill, redear sunfish |
Statewide | – | 20 in total | – |
| Secondary source: Colorado fishing regulations (eRegulations) | ||||
| Yellow perch Fresh | East of the Continental Divide | – | 20 | – |
| Yellow perch | West of the Continental Divide | – | No limit | – |
| Secondary source: Colorado fishing regulations (eRegulations) Yellow perch limits in other states | ||||
| Tiger muskie Fresh | Statewide | 36" minimum | 1 | – |
| Secondary source: Colorado fishing regulations (eRegulations) Muskellunge (muskie) limits in other states | ||||
| Northern pike Fresh | Statewide | – | No limit | – |
| Secondary source: Colorado fishing regulations (eRegulations) Northern pike limits in other states | ||||
Compare Colorado with other states
Neighboring states, side by side: prices, age rules, free days and shared waters.
Questions
Do I need a fishing license in Colorado?
Yes, if you are 16 or older and fish public waters in Colorado, unless an exemption applies. No license is needed for: Anyone under 16 (full bag and possession limits still apply).
How much is a non-resident fishing license in Colorado?
For an adult fishing fresh water, the cheapest options for 2026-27 are $21.90 for one day (Non-resident one-day fishing license); $76.68 for seven days (Non-resident one-day fishing license + 6 extra day(s)); $136.77 for a year (Non-resident annual fishing license, Annual Habitat Stamp (required)). Prices include a $1.25 search and rescue fee and a $1.50 Wildlife Education Fund fee.
Do seniors need a fishing license in Colorado?
Senior options for residents: Resident senior annual fishing license (64+): $12.96 (ages 64+). Non-resident seniors pay the normal non-resident prices.
How do I get a fishing license in Colorado?
Buy it from Colorado Parks and Wildlife: Sold online, by phone and at license agents and CPW offices.
Do I need a license to fish on a charter in Colorado?
Yes: everyone who fishes needs their own license. Colorado has no license that covers a guide's clients: everyone aged 16 or over fishing on a guided trip needs their own Colorado fishing license (and Habitat Stamp).
Sources and checks
Every fact on this page comes from Colorado Parks and Wildlife unless it's marked secondary. We use a secondary source only when the official site doesn't show something, and we name it.
- Licenses and prices
- Checked Nov 4, 2026 (prices for 2026-27)
- Free fishing days
- Checked Nov 4, 2026
- Seasons and limits
- Checked Nov 4, 2026
All 8 source pages
- cpw.state.co.us/event/fishing/2026/06/experience-world-class-fishing-colorado-free-june-6-7
- cpw.state.co.us/fishing-licenses
- cpw.state.co.us/habitatstamp
- cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/navajo-state-park/navajo-state-park-park-highlights
- cpw.state.co.us:443/aboutus/Pages/residency.aspx
- Colorado fishing regulations (eRegulations) secondary
- FishingBooker: Colorado Fishing License guide secondary
- Front Range Anglers (Colorado fishing guide) secondary
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