Fishing in Colorado offers a wide variety of experiences for anglers. The state has over 6,000 miles of rivers and streams, numerous lakes, and a plethora of reservoirs, providing a diverse range of fish species to catch. However, there are specific regulations and requirements that apply to fishing in Colorado.
Fishing Licenses and Stamps
To fish in Colorado, you will need to purchase a fishing license. Licenses can be purchased for a single day ($16.72) or as a year-long license ($42.91). A Colorado fishing license covers the license holder and one fishing rod. A second rod stamp can be purchased at the time you buy your license for an additional $12.98. Each license-holder is limited to a single second rod. They are not transferable between anglers.
Bag Limits and Possession Limits
A bag limit is the maximum number of fish you can take in a day, no matter what you do with them. A possession limit is the maximum number of fish allowed at any time, while fishing, transporting, or at home. Bag limits are different depending on the type of fish you are catching. For example, in Colorado, a bag limit for rainbow trout is 8 fish, while the possession limit is 15 fish.
Types of Fish in Western Colorado
Western Colorado is home to a variety of fish species, including rainbow trout, brook trout, brown trout, smallmouth bass, mountain whitefish, and pike. Fish with blood that is a little warmer can be found in our rivers and reservoirs, such as the Grand Mesa. The high elevations of Western Colorado provide ideal conditions for cold-water fish like rainbow and brook trout.
Additional Information
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- Check out our gallery for some of the largest fish caught in Colorado and some of the tastiest species.
- Learn more about Colorado bag limits and how to plan your fishing trip.
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| Fishing Spot | Fish Species | BAG LIMIT | Possession Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Mesa | Rainbow Trout | 8 | 15 |
| Grand Mesa | Brook Trout | 8 | 15 |
| Colorado River | Brown Trout | 6 | 20 |
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Don’t forget to check local fishing reports and regulations before you head out on the water. The Colorado Parks and Wildlife website has a wealth of information on fishing in Colorado, including up-to-date fishing regulations, fishing reports, and more.
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**Important Note:**
A fishing license is required to fish in Colorado. A second rod stamp is not a guarantee of double the bag limit. Bag limits and possession limits apply to all anglers, regardless of whether you have a second rod or not. **Definition:**
A bag limit is the maximum number of fish an angler can take in a day, regardless of whether they release them or keep them. A possession limit is the maximum number of fish an angler can possess at any given time, while fishing, transporting, or at home. Possession limits are separate from bag limits and can be higher than bag limits. **Highlights:**
* Colorado has over 6,000 miles of rivers and streams, numerous lakes, and a plethora of reservoirs. * Western Colorado is home to a variety of fish species, including cold-water fish like rainbow and brook trout. * Fishing licenses can be purchased for a single day or as a year-long license. * A second rod stamp can be purchased at the time of licensing for an additional $12.98.
