Colorado vs Utah fishing license
For a visitor fishing fresh water for 3 days, Colorado is $3.84 cheaper than Utah. For a visitor's annual fresh-water license, Utah is $16.77 cheaper than Colorado. You need a license from age 16 in Colorado and from 12 in Utah.
- Free
- Official sources first
- Checked monthly
- Independent, not a state website
What visitors pay
Cheapest way for an adult non-resident to cover the trip, including required stamps, worked out from each state's price list. The cheaper state is marked.
| Trip | Colorado | Utah |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh water | ||
| 1 day | $21.90 | $44 |
| 3 days | $40.16 | $44 |
| 7 days | $76.68 | $91 |
| 1 year | $136.77 | $120 |
| Residents, annual | ||
| Fresh water | $57.63 | $40 |
| Prices for | 2026-27 | 2026 |
Rules side by side
| Colorado | Utah | |
|---|---|---|
| License needed from age | 16 | 12 |
| Senior residents | Resident senior annual fishing license (64+): $12.96 (ages 64+) | Resident 365-day fishing license (65+): $31 (ages 65+) Resident 3-year fishing license (65+): $93 (ages 65+) Resident 5-year fishing license (65+): $155 (ages 65+) |
| Senior visitors | Normal visitor prices | Normal visitor prices |
| Required stamps | Annual Habitat Stamp: $12.76 | None |
| Next free fishing day | Not yet announced | Not yet announced |
| On a charter | Yes: everyone who fishes needs their own license | It depends on the boat and where you fish |
| License on your phone | Accepted | Accepted |
| Annual licenses last | To March 31 | 12 months from purchase |
| Last checked | Nov 4, 2026 | Nov 5, 2026 |
Full details and sources: Colorado fishing license · Utah fishing license
Shared waters
Other border waters (Colorado rules)
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
Limits for fish found in both states
Guide only. Statewide rules; many waters have their own. Check each state's official rules before you keep a fish.
| Fish | Colorado | Utah |
|---|---|---|
| Largemouth bass |
Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass |
Largemouth and smallmouth bass |
| Smallmouth bass |
Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass |
Largemouth and smallmouth bass |
| Trout |
bag 4 in total (8 in possession) |
Trout, kokanee and Arctic grayling |
| Walleye |
Walleye, saugeye and sauger |
Only 1 over 24"; bag 10 |
| Crappie |
bag 20 in total |
Crappie (black and white) |
| Catfish |
Channel, blue and flathead catfish |
Channel catfish |
| Northern pike |
bag No limit |
Only 1 over 36"; bag 20 |
| Yellow perch |
bag 20 (East of the Continental Divide; 1 more) |
No statewide minimum; bag 50 |
| Muskellunge (muskie) |
Tiger muskie |
Tiger muskellunge |
| Salmon |
Kokanee salmon |
Trout, kokanee and Arctic grayling |
Questions
Is a Colorado fishing license valid in Utah?
No. Each state needs its own license, except on shared waters covered by a border agreement: Other border waters.
Which is cheaper for visitors, Colorado or Utah?
1 day (fresh water): Colorado $21.90, Utah $44. 1 year (fresh water): Colorado $136.77, Utah $120.
At what age do you need a fishing license in Colorado and Utah?
You need a license from age 16 in Colorado and from 12 in Utah.