Colorado requires anglers aged 16 and older to possess a valid fishing license to fish in the state’s waters. Youth aged 15 and under can fish for free without a license. Fishing licenses are managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife and are valid from March 1 through March 31 of the following year, providing 13 months of fishing access. The state offers over 6,000 miles of streams and more than 1,300 lakes and reservoirs, with opportunities to catch over 35 species of fish.
Quick Reference: Colorado Fishing License
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Resident Annual | $42.91 |
| Non-Resident Annual | $120.25 |
| License Required Age | 16 and older |
| Youth Exempt | Under 16 |
| Senior Discount | 64+ (Resident only) |
| License Expiration | March 1 through March 31 (13 months) |
| Buy Online | Colorado Parks and Wildlife |
Who Needs a Colorado Fishing License?
Resident Requirements
Colorado residents aged 16 and older must purchase a fishing license to fish in the state’s public waters. Residents aged 18 through 63 must purchase an Adult Annual Fishing License. Colorado residents must provide proof of residency when purchasing any resident fishing licenses. All license fees include a 25-cent search-and-rescue fee and a $1.50 fee for the Wildlife Education Fund.
Non-Resident Requirements
Non-residents aged 16 and older must purchase a fishing license to fish in Colorado. Non-resident youth aged 16 to 18 must purchase the non-resident adult annual fishing license. Non-residents can choose from annual, five-day, one-day, or additional-day license options depending on their fishing plans.
Habitat Stamp Requirement
All anglers aged 18 through 64 must purchase a habitat stamp with their license. One habitat stamp is required per year and is nonrefundable. The Annual Habitat Stamp costs $12.47. A Lifetime Habitat Stamp is available for $374.47. Customers buying a one-day or additional-day license are exempt from the Habitat Stamp fee with the first two of these licenses. The Habitat Stamp fee will be assessed when a third license of this type is purchased.
Colorado Fishing License Types and Prices
Resident Licenses
| License Type | Age/Eligibility | Price | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Annual Fishing License | Ages 18-63 | $42.91 | March 1 – March 31 (13 months) |
| Senior Annual Fishing License | Ages 64+ | $11.73 | March 1 – March 31 (13 months) |
| Youth Fishing License | Ages 16-17 | $11.73 | March 1 – March 31 (13 months) |
| Small Game and Fishing Combo | Resident | $61.62 | March 1 – March 31 (13 months) |
| Senior Small Game and Fishing Combo | Ages 64+ | $36.22 | March 1 – March 31 (13 months) |
| One-day Fishing | Resident | $16.72 | Selected date |
| Additional-day Fishing | Resident | $7.99 | Selected date |
| Annual Habitat Stamp | Ages 18-64 | $12.47 | Annual |
| Lifetime Habitat Stamp | All ages | $374.47 | Lifetime |
| Second-rod Stamp | Any license holder | $12.98 | Annual |
Non-Resident Licenses
| License Type | Age/Eligibility | Price | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual | Ages 16+ | $120.25 | March 1 – March 31 (13 months) |
| Five-day | Ages 16+ | $39.17 | 5 consecutive days |
| One-day Fishing | Ages 16+ | $20.46 | Selected date |
| Additional-day Fishing | Ages 16+ | $7.99 | Selected date |
| Annual Habitat Stamp | Ages 18-64 | $12.47 | Annual |
| Lifetime Habitat Stamp | All ages | $374.47 | Lifetime |
| Second-rod Stamp | Any license holder | $12.98 | Annual |
Special Resident Licenses
Colorado offers several special license types for eligible residents who must apply through specific programs:
Centennial Senior Annual Fishing: Available for income-eligible Colorado residents aged 64 and older. Residents must apply for this fishing license through Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
Senior Annual Small Game Upgrade: Colorado residents with a Centennial (income-eligible) Senior lifetime fishing license or a Columbine lifetime fishing license can purchase a reduced-cost small game license annually for $26.24.
Columbine Lifetime Fishing License: Available for any Colorado resident who has a total and permanent disability. Residents must apply for this fishing license.
Veteran Lifetime Small Game and Fishing Combination: Veterans living in Colorado who have a service-connected disability are eligible for a lifetime fishing license or a lifetime small game and fishing combination license. Veterans must apply for this fishing license. VA combo license holders are exempt from purchasing a Habitat Stamp each year.
First Responder Lifetime Small Game and Fishing Combination: First Responders who are residents of Colorado and have a permanent occupational disability or disease as a result of their official duties are eligible to apply for a free lifetime fishing or small game combo license and parks pass. First Responder Lifetime License holders are exempt from the Habitat Stamp requirement.
Who Is Exempt from Needing a Fishing License?
Age Exemptions
Youth aged 15 and under can fish for free without a license in Colorado. All youth under 16 can take a full bag and possession limit without a license. However, all youth fishing with a second line must purchase a second-rod stamp, which costs $12.98.
Military Exemptions
Colorado residents on active duty with U.S. armed forces out of state can fish free without a license while here on temporary leave, maximum of 30 days a year. You must carry official leave papers while fishing.
Disability Exemptions
Colorado residents with a total and permanent disability may qualify for a Columbine Lifetime Fishing License. Veterans with service-connected disabilities are eligible for a free Lifetime Fishing License or Lifetime Fishing and Small Game Hunting Combination License. First Responders with permanent occupational disabilities may also qualify for free lifetime licenses.
Mental Health Institution Licenses
Mental health institutions that provide 24-hour, 7-day-a-week care to patients can apply for a Facility-based Fishing License that covers all their patients. The license is good for the calendar year in which it was issued and must be renewed each year. The license is not available for “day program” facilities. For information about the program call 303-291-7235 or submit an application.
Special Permits and Endorsements
Second-rod Stamp
Anglers can use a second rod, hand line or tip-up by purchasing a second-rod stamp for $12.98. One stamp is allowed per season and is non-transferable. A second-rod stamp is available to anyone who has purchased a fishing license and to any youth under 16. A second-rod stamp does not entitle an angler to an additional bag limit, nor can it be used for another person to fish. A second-rod stamp is not required when only using trot-lines or jugs.
Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Stamp
An Annual Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Stamp is required for all resident motorboats and sailboats. The resident ANS stamp costs $25.00. Non-resident motorboats and sailboats require an ANS stamp costing $50.00. Any boat (motor or sail) operated in Colorado must be registered and purchase an ANS stamp. Boaters must get a mandatory boat inspection before hitting the water and get decontaminated afterwards.
Commercial Fishing Licenses
An annual license is required to take or possess bait fish, amphibians, or crustaceans for commercial purposes. Interested parties should review the requirements in the application on CPWShop.com.
How to Buy Your Colorado Fishing License
Online Purchase
Anglers can purchase fishing licenses online through the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website. The online system provides immediate access to a temporary authorization number (TAN) that can be used until the physical license arrives in the mail. The TAN is valid for 45 days after the date of purchase. When you purchase a 1-day or 5-day fishing license and the selected dates are within 15 days of the transaction date, you will not be mailed a physical license and will need to use the TAN number listed on your email confirmation letter.
Digital License Display
Resident fishing licenses are now accessible through myColorado, the State of Colorado’s official mobile app. Anglers purchase their licenses the same way they always have but have the option to display it within the app. The specific fishing licenses and stamps available include annual licenses (adult, youth, senior), senior licenses (annual, senior low-income lifetime), daily licenses (1 day, additional-day), other licenses (disability lifetime, VA lifetime, first responder lifetime), and stamps (extra rod stamp). The app can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Phone Purchase
Colorado fishing licenses can be purchased by phone at 1-800-244-5613. Phone purchases provide the same temporary authorization number as online purchases.
In-Person Purchase
Licenses are available for purchase in person at hundreds of retail locations throughout Colorado. Anglers can also purchase licenses at Colorado Parks and Wildlife offices.
Requirements for Purchase
To purchase a fishing license, you will need government-issued identification. Colorado residents must provide proof of residency to purchase any fishing licenses set aside for Colorado residents. A Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number is required for hunters age 12 and older, per federal law.
License Validity and Expiration
Annual fishing licenses are valid from March 1 through March 31 of the following year, providing 13 months of fishing access. Annual licenses go on sale March 1 each year. For example, licenses purchased for the 2025-2026 season are valid from March 1, 2025, through March 31, 2026.
One-day and additional-day licenses are valid for the specific date or dates selected at the time of purchase. Five-day non-resident licenses are valid for five consecutive days from the start date selected.
When purchasing a license, anglers receive a temporary authorization number (TAN) that can be used until the physical license arrives in the mail. The TAN is valid for 45 days after the date of purchase. Print or write down the TAN and carry it with you while fishing. For purchases of 1-day or 5-day licenses where the selected dates are within 15 days of the transaction date, no physical license will be mailed, and you must use the TAN number from your email confirmation.
Resident fishing licenses can also be displayed digitally through the myColorado mobile app, eliminating the need to carry a physical license or TAN printout.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a fishing license in Colorado?
A resident adult annual fishing license costs $42.91 for ages 18-63. Senior residents aged 64 and older pay $11.73 for an annual license. Youth residents aged 16-17 pay $11.73. Non-resident annual licenses cost $120.25 for ages 16 and older. One-day resident licenses cost $16.72, while non-resident one-day licenses cost $20.46. All license fees include a 25-cent search-and-rescue fee and a $1.50 fee for the Wildlife Education Fund. Most anglers aged 18-64 must also purchase an Annual Habitat Stamp for $12.47.
Can I buy a fishing license online in Colorado?
Yes, Colorado fishing licenses can be purchased online at cpw.state.co.us/fishing or through CPWShop.com. Online purchases provide immediate access to a temporary authorization number (TAN) that is valid for 45 days while you wait for your physical license to arrive in the mail. Licenses can also be purchased by phone at 1-800-244-5613 or in person at hundreds of retail locations throughout the state.
What is required to get a fishing license in Colorado?
To purchase a fishing license, you need government-issued identification. Colorado residents must provide proof of residency to purchase resident fishing licenses. A Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number is required for hunters age 12 and older, per federal law. Most anglers aged 18-64 must also purchase a Habitat Stamp along with their license.
Do kids need a fishing license in Colorado?
Youth aged 15 and under can fish for free without a license in Colorado and can take a full bag and possession limit. Youth aged 16-17 must purchase a youth fishing license for $11.73. All youth fishing with a second line must purchase a second-rod stamp for $12.98.
How long is a Colorado fishing license valid?
Annual fishing licenses are valid from March 1 through March 31 of the following year, providing 13 months of validity. One-day licenses are valid for the specific date selected at purchase. Five-day non-resident licenses are valid for five consecutive days from the start date. Additional-day licenses are valid for the specific date selected.
For the most current information and to purchase your license, visit the official Colorado Parks and Wildlife website. Your license purchase supports 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.