Colorado fishing licenses are now available for the 2025-2026 season
DENVER — Colorado Parks and Wildlife is now selling fishing licenses for the 2025-2026 fishing season.
Fishing licenses are valid from March 1, 2025, through March 31, 2026 (13 months). Regulations and pricing for annual, daily and multi-day fishing licenses are listed in the new 2025 Colorado Fishing Brochure (Pesca en Colorado En Español). Youth aged 15 and under fish for free.
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Anglers can purchase a license online at cpwshop.com, by phone at 1-800-244-5613, in-person at a CPW office or through a sales agent.
By purchasing a fishing license, anglers play a crucial role in funding Colorado’s fishery management, supporting hatcheries and fish stocking operations. This not only balances their outdoor recreation with conservation but also contributes to the maintenance of recreational fishing opportunities in Colorado’s rivers, streams and lakes, and the needs of native, non-game aquatic species.
CPW proudly offers veterans with service-connected disabilities a free Lifetime Fishing License or a Lifetime Fishing and Small Game Hunting Combination License (VA combo license).
Fishing in Colorado
Colorado offers unrivaled opportunities to fish for over 35 species (both warm and cold-water fish) in some of the most scenic bodies of water. Fish anywhere in 6,000 miles of streams and over 1,300 lakes and reservoirs. To find fishing locations, stocking reports and resources, visit cpw.state.co.us/fishing
Colorado now offers a new category of fishable waters (in addition to Gold Medal Waters): Colorado Quality Waters. CPW’s talented team of fish management biologists have identified and nominated the waters based on fish sampling records, creel surveys and professional biological assessments.
“Although these waters do not meet the threshold for Gold Medal, these warm and cold water fisheries are some of the most productive sport fisheries we have in the state,” said CPW Angler Outreach Manager Dan Brauch.
Join Colorado’s vibrant fishing community by participating in upcoming CPW fishing classes, events, seminars, and tournaments listed on the CPW Event Calendar. When planning your next fishing trip, download the My CPW app. My CPW is the official mobile app for CPW’s license and pass purchasing website cpwshop.com and links to the fishing brochure and reports.
“Fishing is a great activity to share with family and friends, and the perfect chance to get outside and enjoy Colorado’s natural resources,” said CPW Angler Education Coordinator Andre Egli. “If you are new to fishing, a variety of beginner classes are offered around the state. Classes are available for new anglers, families or seasoned anglers that want to learn a new technique like fly fishing.”
Fish Hatcheries
CPW fish hatcheries are crucial in improving and maintaining Colorado’s fish populations. Currently, CPW operates 19 fish hatcheries, where over 90 million fish per year are bred, hatched, reared and stocked. Some hatchery fish enhance angling opportunities, an essential part of the state’s economy, contributing $1.9 billion annually. Others are critical to native species recovery efforts.
“CPW biologists, hatchery staff, and volunteers will soon be spawning fish from wild brood waters to replenish our walleye and saugeye fisheries,” said CPW Aquatic Section Assistant Manager Josh Nehring. “Our hatcheries also stock the front range waters with trout while water temperatures remain cool for added angling opportunities.”
Learn more about CPW’s aquatic research at cpw.state.co.us/aquatic-research. Subscribe to the CPW Fishing eNews for monthly fishing news and the CPW Fishing Report to get stocking reports and fishery surveys.
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