What You Pay for a Colorado Fishing License

A Colorado fishing license costs between $11 and $109 depending on how long you want it and whether you live in the state. Residents pay less than non-residents for the same duration. A resident annual license runs $37; a non-resident annual license is $109. If you only fish for a few days, Colorado offers shorter licenses at lower prices.

You must buy your license before you fish anywhere in Colorado, including private land. The license covers freshwater fishing only — trout, bass, pike, and panfish in lakes and rivers. If you want to fish saltwater or hunt, those require separate licenses.

Key Takeaways

  • Colorado resident annual licenses cost $37; non-resident annual licenses cost $109.
  • Short-term licenses for 1 day, 5 days, or 10 days cost less and are available to both residents and non-residents.
  • You can buy a license online through Colorado Parks and Wildlife, by phone, or at sporting goods retailers and bait shops.
  • Your license arrives by email when ready if you buy online, so you can fish the same day.
  • Colorado does not charge extra fees for specific fish species or water types — one license covers all freshwater fishing statewide.

Resident vs. Non-Resident License Prices

Colorado charges different prices based on where you live. A resident is someone with a Colorado driver's license or state ID, or someone who has lived in Colorado for at least one year. Non-residents pay roughly three times as much for an annual license.

The price difference applies to all license lengths. A resident 1-day license costs $11; a non-resident 1-day license costs $20. A resident 5-day license costs $20; a non-resident 5-day license costs $40. The resident annual license is $37 and the non-resident annual is $109. If you fish multiple times a year, the annual license usually costs less per trip than buying daily licenses each time.

Short-Term License Options and Pricing

Colorado offers licenses for 1 day, 5 consecutive days, and 10 consecutive days. These are useful if you visit the state for a vacation or fish only a few times a year. A 1-day license lets you fish for 24 hours from the time you buy it. A 5-day license covers five calendar days in a row. A 10-day license covers ten calendar days in a row.

Resident 1-day licenses cost $11. Resident 5-day licenses cost $20. Resident 10-day licenses cost $30. Non-resident 1-day licenses cost $20. Non-resident 5-day licenses cost $40. Non-resident 10-day licenses cost $60. If you plan to fish more than a few times, compare the cost of short-term licenses to an annual license — the annual often saves money.

Where to Buy Your License

You can buy a Colorado fishing license online, by phone, or in person. The fastest way is online through the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website. You pay, receive your license by email within minutes, and can fish the same day. You do not need to print anything — you can show the email on your phone to a ranger if asked.

You can also call Colorado Parks and Wildlife at 303-297-1192 to buy a license by phone. A staff member will process your payment and email your license. In person, you can buy a license at any Colorado Parks and Wildlife office, sporting goods store (like Bass Pro Shops or Cabela's), bait and tackle shops, or some grocery stores. Call ahead to confirm a retailer has licenses in stock, since smaller shops may not carry all license types.

What Your License Covers

Your Colorado fishing license covers freshwater fishing anywhere in the state — rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and ponds. You can fish for trout, bass, pike, walleye, panfish, and catfish. The license does not limit you to certain species or waters; one license covers all freshwater fish in Colorado.

Your license does not cover saltwater fishing, hunting, or trapping. If you want to hunt elk, deer, or upland game, you need a separate hunting license. Some waters have special rules — certain lakes require a special stamp or have catch limits — but those rules explore to anyone with a valid license, not an extra charge.

License Validity and Renewal

An annual resident license is valid for one year from the date you buy it. An annual non-resident license is also valid for one year from purchase. Short-term licenses are valid only for the number of days you buy — a 5-day license expires after five calendar days, whether you fish all five days or none.

You can renew your license anytime before it expires. If your license expires while you are fishing, you must stop and buy a new one before continuing. Colorado Parks and Wildlife does not send renewal reminders, so mark your calendar or set a phone reminder if you have an annual license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license to fish on private land?

Yes. You need a Colorado fishing license to fish anywhere in the state, including private property you own or have permission to fish. The only exception is children under 16, who can fish without a license if supervised by a licensed adult.

Can I fish with my license from another state?

No. You must have a valid Colorado license to fish in Colorado, even if you hold a current license from your home state. Non-residents can buy a short-term license if they do not want to pay for an annual one.

What if I lose my license or it gets damaged?

You can buy a replacement license for the same price as the original. If you bought it online, you can print a new copy from your email or contact Colorado Parks and Wildlife to have a new one sent. If you bought it in person, return to the retailer or a Parks and Wildlife office with your receipt.

Are there any discounts on fishing licenses?

Colorado offers discounted licenses for seniors (65 and older) and disabled residents. A senior annual license costs $17. A disabled resident annual license costs $17. Children under 16 fish free with a licensed adult. Contact Colorado Parks and Wildlife for details on how to document your age or disability status.

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

Yes. You can buy a license online or by phone and have it sent to someone else's email address. You will need their name and email. In person, you can purchase a license at any retailer, but the license will be issued in the name of the person who buys it, so the recipient should buy their own or you should buy it in their name online.