What Colorado Fishing Licenses Cost

A Colorado resident fishing license costs $26.95 for a one-year license. A three-day license costs $18.95. A one-day license costs $9.95. Non-residents pay $40.95 for a one-year license, $28.95 for a five-day license, and $9.95 for a one-day license.

These prices are set by Colorado Parks and Wildlife and do not include any additional stamps or endorsements you may need. If you plan to fish for certain species — like trout in designated waters or walleye — you may need to purchase a separate stamp, which adds to the total cost.

You can buy a license online through the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website, by phone, or in person at sporting goods stores, bait shops, and Parks and Wildlife offices. Online purchases are when ready; phone and in-person purchases may take a few minutes to process.

Key Takeaways

  • Colorado resident one-year licenses cost $26.95; non-residents pay $40.95 for the same period.
  • Short-term licenses (one day to five days) are available at lower prices for both residents and non-residents.
  • Some fish species require additional stamps beyond the base license fee.
  • You can purchase licenses online, by phone, or at retail locations throughout the state.

When You Need a License and When You Don't

You need a fishing license to fish in Colorado public waters, including lakes, rivers, and streams. The license applies whether you are using a rod and reel, fly rod, or any other method to catch fish.

You do not need a license if you are under 16 years old, if you are a Colorado resident 65 or older, or if you are fishing on private property with the owner's written permission. Some special events and designated youth fishing areas also allow fishing without a license.

Resident Versus Non-Resident Pricing

Colorado residents pay less than non-residents for all license types. A resident one-year license is $26.95 compared to $40.95 for a non-resident. The difference is largest for annual licenses and smallest for one-day licenses, where both pay $9.95.

To may have access to as a resident, you must have lived in Colorado for at least 12 consecutive months when ready before buying your license. If you moved to Colorado recently, you will need to wait until you meet the residency requirement to buy a resident license.

Stamps and Special Endorsements

Beyond the base license, Colorado offers optional stamps that let you fish for specific species or in specific ways. A Walleye Stamp costs $10.95 and is required if you want to keep walleye. A Trout Stamp costs $10.95 and is required to fish for trout in certain designated waters.

A Conservation Stamp costs $5.95 and supports habitat work but is not required to fish. If you plan to fish for multiple species or in multiple types of water, you may end up buying several stamps along with your base license.

How to Buy Your License Online

Go to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website and select "Buy a License." You will enter your residency status, choose your license type and length, add any stamps you need, and pay by credit card or debit card. The license is sent to your email when ready and is valid as soon as you receive it.

You do not need to print the license. You can show the email on your phone to a Parks and Wildlife officer. If you prefer a physical copy, you can print it yourself at home.

Where to Buy in Person

You can buy a license at any Colorado Parks and Wildlife office, at most sporting goods stores (including Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's), and at local bait and tackle shops. Call ahead if you are buying a license at a retail location, because not all locations stock all license types.

In-person purchases take a few minutes to process. You will receive a printed license when ready and can fish the same day.

License Validity and Expiration

A one-year resident license is valid for 12 months from the date of purchase, not from January 1. A three-day license is valid for three consecutive calendar days. A one-day license is valid for the calendar day you purchase it.

Check your license before you fish to confirm the expiration date. If your license has expired, you cannot legally fish until you buy a new one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a separate license for each type of fish?

No. One fishing license covers all fish species in Colorado. However, some species require an additional stamp — like the Walleye Stamp or Trout Stamp — which you buy separately. The base license alone lets you fish for most species.

Can I fish with someone else's license?

No. Each person fishing must have their own valid license. A license is not transferable and is tied to the person who purchased it. If an officer checks, you must show your own license.

What if I lose my license before it expires?

Contact Colorado Parks and Wildlife to request a replacement. You will need to provide proof of purchase (your receipt or credit card statement). There may be a small replacement fee. In the meantime, you can show the email confirmation on your phone if you purchased online.

Do I need a license to fish in a private pond on my own property?

No. You do not need a license to fish on private property with the owner's permission. If you are visiting someone else's private pond, you still need written permission from the owner, but you do not need a state license.

Can I buy a license for someone else as a gift?

Yes. You can purchase a license online or in person and give the confirmation email or printed license to someone else. The person receiving it can use it when ready. Some retailers also sell gift certificates that the recipient can use to buy their own license.