Colorado fishing license
Colorado requires a recreational fishing license from age 16. The state licenses freshwater fishing. The current license year is 2026 (March 1, 2026 – March 31, 2027).
Source: Colorado Parks and Wildlife · Reviewed July 30, 2026
Your likely official license
Yes — a licence is required. For a 1-day non-resident freshwater trip in Colorado, the official match is Non-Resident One-day Fishing License.
- Non-Resident One-day Fishing License$21.90 · Valid for the single selected day.
What it covers
- Non-Resident One-day Fishing License — freshwater. Fee as published by CPW on its Fishing Licenses and Dates page; includes a $1.25 search-and-rescue fee and a $1.50 Wildlife Education Fund fee.Limits on this license: Customers (ages 16+) buying a one-day or one-additional-day license are exempt from the Habitat Stamp fee with the first two of these licenses; the Habitat Stamp fee is assessed when a third license of this type is purchased.
Required add-ons
No stamp or endorsement is attached to this licence for your residency, age and trip length. Check “You may also need” below for requirements that depend on where and what you fish.
You may also need
Colorado Parks and Wildlife publishes these for the water you selected. Whether one applies depends on what you fish for and where — something this tool does not ask.
- Annual Colorado Wildlife Habitat Stamp (nonrefundable) — All anglers must purchase a habitat stamp with their license. Only one is required per person, ages 18-64, per year buying or applying for a license. VA combo license holders and First Responder Lifetime License holders are exempt. · $12.76
- Lifetime Colorado Wildlife Habitat Stamp — One-time purchase that satisfies the annual Habitat Stamp requirement for life; available to residents and non-residents. · $384.16
- Second-rod Stamp — Required to fish with a second rod, hand line or tip-up. Available to anyone who has purchased a fishing license and to any youth under 16; all youth fishing with a second line must also purchase it. One stamp per season, non-transferable, and it does not entitle an angler to an additional bag limit. Not required when only using trot-lines or jugs. · $14.24
Why this answer
- You selected non-resident status, age 35, freshwater fishing, for 1 day.
- Non-Resident One-day Fishing License covers the full trip: Valid for the single selected day.
Other options you are eligible for
- Non-Resident Additional-day Fishing License — $9.13 for this trip · Adds one further day to a one-day fishing license.Customers buying a one-day or one-additional-day license are exempt from the Habitat Stamp fee with the first two of these licenses; the Habitat Stamp fee is assessed when a third license of this type is purchased.
- Non-Resident Five-day Fishing License — $53.80 for this trip · Valid for five days.CPW lists the Habitat Stamp exemption only for one-day and additional-day licenses, so a five-day license buyer aged 18-64 still needs the annual Habitat Stamp.
- Non-Resident Annual Fishing License — $136.77 for this trip · Annual fishing licenses are valid from March 1 through March 31 of the following year (13 months).The Habitat Stamp is required once per year for buyers ages 18-64; a 16 or 17 year old buying this license does not need one.
Exceptions that may change it
- Colorado's most recently published free fishing days were June 6, 2026 (Colorado Free Fishing Weekend (day 1 of 2)) and June 7, 2026 (Colorado Free Fishing Weekend (day 2 of 2)); check the agency for the next one. No licence is required on a free fishing day; other rules still apply.
- Non-Resident One-day Fishing License: Customers (ages 16+) buying a one-day or one-additional-day license are exempt from the Habitat Stamp fee with the first two of these licenses; the Habitat Stamp fee is assessed when a third license of this type is purchased.
- Colorado residents on active duty with the U.S. armed forces out of state can fish free without a license while here on temporary leave, to a maximum of 30 days a year.
- CPW offers a free Lifetime Fishing License, or a Lifetime Fishing and Small Game Hunting Combination (VA combo) License, to veterans living in Colorado who have a service-connected disability.
- The Columbine Lifetime Fishing License is available to any Colorado resident who has a total and permanent disability.
- First responders who are Colorado residents and have a permanent occupational disability or disease resulting from their official duties are eligible for a free lifetime fishing or small game combo license and parks pass.
- Mental health institutions that provide 24-hour, 7-day-a-week care can apply for a Facility-based Fishing License that covers all their patients.
- This answer covers the licence only. Season, size, bag and waterbody rules still apply and change through the year.
We do not sell licenses and take no commission. This goes to the state agency.
Check current Colorado regulations(external, opens the official state website)Seasons, size limits, bag limits and waterbody closures are not covered by this tool and change through the year.
- Source
- Fishing Licenses and Dates | Colorado Parks and Wildlife(external, opens the official state website) — Colorado Parks and Wildlife
- Validity
- 2026 · March 1, 2026 – March 31, 2027
- Reviewed
- July 30, 2026
Answers at a glance
Common trips, answered from the same official record the checker uses. These assume an adult with no special circumstances — set your own age, water and trip above.
Visiting for a day
Adult visiting from another state · freshwater · one day
Non-Resident One-day Fishing License
Published total: $21.90
Resident for the season
Adult Colorado resident · freshwater · all year
Resident Adult Annual Fishing License
Published total: $57.63
Age and residency rules
Who counts as a resident. A Colorado resident is someone who holds a valid, current Colorado driver's license or Colorado ID card issued at least six months ago, has lived in the state for at least six consecutive months immediately prior to purchase of CPW products, and whose primary residence is located in Colorado. Youths under age 18 whose primary legal guardian qualifies as a Colorado resident are considered Colorado residents. Residency terminates if you apply for, buy or accept a resident hunting, fishing or trapping license from another state or country, register to vote outside Colorado, accept a driver's license showing an address outside Colorado, or move out of state permanently.
Age-based rules
- Youth aged 15 and under fish for free. All youth under 16 can take a full bag and possession limit without a license.
License options
| License | Who | Water | Valid for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Adult Annual Fishing License(external, opens the official state website)All anglers must purchase a Habitat Stamp with their license; one Habitat Stamp is required per person per year, ages 18-64. | ResidentAges 18-63. | freshwater | Annual fishing licenses are valid from March 1 through March 31 of the following year (13 months). Annual licenses go on sale March 1 each year. | $44.87 |
| Resident Senior Annual Fishing License(external, opens the official state website)The Habitat Stamp is required only once per year for people ages 18-64, so a 64-year-old buyer still needs one ($12.76) but anglers 65 and older do not. Income-eligible residents 64 and older may instead apply for the Centennial Senior Annual Fishing license. | ResidentAges 64+. | freshwater | Annual fishing licenses are valid from March 1 through March 31 of the following year (13 months). | $12.96 |
| Resident Youth Fishing License(external, opens the official state website)The Habitat Stamp is required only for ages 18-64, so a 16 or 17 year old does not need one. The second-rod stamp charge still applies if fishing with a second line. | ResidentAges 16-17. | freshwater | Annual fishing licenses are valid from March 1 through March 31 of the following year (13 months). | $12.96 |
| Resident One-day Fishing License(external, opens the official state website)Customers buying a one-day or one-additional-day license are exempt from the Habitat Stamp fee with the first two of these licenses; the Habitat Stamp fee is assessed when a third license of this type is purchased. | ResidentYouth aged 15 and under fish for free, so a license is needed from age 16. | freshwater | Valid for the single selected day. | $18.07 |
| Resident Additional-day Fishing License(external, opens the official state website)Customers buying a one-day or one-additional-day license are exempt from the Habitat Stamp fee with the first two of these licenses; the Habitat Stamp fee is assessed when a third license of this type is purchased. | ResidentListed by CPW for all ages as an add-on day. | freshwater | Adds one further day to a one-day fishing license. | $9.13 |
| Resident Small Game and Fishing Combination License(external, opens the official state website)Combination license that also conveys small game hunting privileges. A Senior version is available to residents 64 and older for $38.03. | ResidentCPW does not publish an age band for this combination license. | freshwater | Annual fishing licenses are valid from March 1 through March 31 of the following year (13 months). | $64.02 |
| Resident Senior Small Game and Fishing Combination License(external, opens the official state website)The Habitat Stamp requirement applies only to people ages 18-64, so a 64-year-old buyer still needs one ($12.76) and anglers 65 and older do not. Combination license that also conveys small game hunting privileges. | ResidentAges 64+. | freshwater | Annual fishing licenses are valid from March 1 through March 31 of the following year (13 months). | $38.03 |
| Non-Resident Annual Fishing License(external, opens the official state website)The Habitat Stamp is required once per year for buyers ages 18-64; a 16 or 17 year old buying this license does not need one. | Non-residentAges 16+. Non-resident youth aged 16-18 must also purchase the non-resident adult annual fishing license. | freshwater | Annual fishing licenses are valid from March 1 through March 31 of the following year (13 months). | $124.01 |
| Non-Resident Five-day Fishing License(external, opens the official state website)CPW lists the Habitat Stamp exemption only for one-day and additional-day licenses, so a five-day license buyer aged 18-64 still needs the annual Habitat Stamp. | Non-residentAges 16+. | freshwater | Valid for five days. | $41.04 |
| Non-Resident One-day Fishing License(external, opens the official state website)Customers (ages 16+) buying a one-day or one-additional-day license are exempt from the Habitat Stamp fee with the first two of these licenses; the Habitat Stamp fee is assessed when a third license of this type is purchased. | Non-residentAges 16+. | freshwater | Valid for the single selected day. | $21.90 |
| Non-Resident Additional-day Fishing License(external, opens the official state website)Customers buying a one-day or one-additional-day license are exempt from the Habitat Stamp fee with the first two of these licenses; the Habitat Stamp fee is assessed when a third license of this type is purchased. | Non-residentListed by CPW for all ages as an add-on day. | freshwater | Adds one further day to a one-day fishing license. | $9.13 |
Resident Adult Annual Fishing License(external, opens the official state website)
All anglers must purchase a Habitat Stamp with their license; one Habitat Stamp is required per person per year, ages 18-64.
- Who
- Resident · Ages 18-63.
- Water
- freshwater
- Valid for
- Annual fishing licenses are valid from March 1 through March 31 of the following year (13 months). Annual licenses go on sale March 1 each year.
- Price
- $44.87
Resident Senior Annual Fishing License(external, opens the official state website)
The Habitat Stamp is required only once per year for people ages 18-64, so a 64-year-old buyer still needs one ($12.76) but anglers 65 and older do not. Income-eligible residents 64 and older may instead apply for the Centennial Senior Annual Fishing license.
- Who
- Resident · Ages 64+.
- Water
- freshwater
- Valid for
- Annual fishing licenses are valid from March 1 through March 31 of the following year (13 months).
- Price
- $12.96
Resident Youth Fishing License(external, opens the official state website)
The Habitat Stamp is required only for ages 18-64, so a 16 or 17 year old does not need one. The second-rod stamp charge still applies if fishing with a second line.
- Who
- Resident · Ages 16-17.
- Water
- freshwater
- Valid for
- Annual fishing licenses are valid from March 1 through March 31 of the following year (13 months).
- Price
- $12.96
Resident One-day Fishing License(external, opens the official state website)
Customers buying a one-day or one-additional-day license are exempt from the Habitat Stamp fee with the first two of these licenses; the Habitat Stamp fee is assessed when a third license of this type is purchased.
- Who
- Resident · Youth aged 15 and under fish for free, so a license is needed from age 16.
- Water
- freshwater
- Valid for
- Valid for the single selected day.
- Price
- $18.07
Resident Additional-day Fishing License(external, opens the official state website)
Customers buying a one-day or one-additional-day license are exempt from the Habitat Stamp fee with the first two of these licenses; the Habitat Stamp fee is assessed when a third license of this type is purchased.
- Who
- Resident · Listed by CPW for all ages as an add-on day.
- Water
- freshwater
- Valid for
- Adds one further day to a one-day fishing license.
- Price
- $9.13
Resident Small Game and Fishing Combination License(external, opens the official state website)
Combination license that also conveys small game hunting privileges. A Senior version is available to residents 64 and older for $38.03.
- Who
- Resident · CPW does not publish an age band for this combination license.
- Water
- freshwater
- Valid for
- Annual fishing licenses are valid from March 1 through March 31 of the following year (13 months).
- Price
- $64.02
The Habitat Stamp requirement applies only to people ages 18-64, so a 64-year-old buyer still needs one ($12.76) and anglers 65 and older do not. Combination license that also conveys small game hunting privileges.
- Who
- Resident · Ages 64+.
- Water
- freshwater
- Valid for
- Annual fishing licenses are valid from March 1 through March 31 of the following year (13 months).
- Price
- $38.03
Non-Resident Annual Fishing License(external, opens the official state website)
The Habitat Stamp is required once per year for buyers ages 18-64; a 16 or 17 year old buying this license does not need one.
- Who
- Non-resident · Ages 16+. Non-resident youth aged 16-18 must also purchase the non-resident adult annual fishing license.
- Water
- freshwater
- Valid for
- Annual fishing licenses are valid from March 1 through March 31 of the following year (13 months).
- Price
- $124.01
Non-Resident Five-day Fishing License(external, opens the official state website)
CPW lists the Habitat Stamp exemption only for one-day and additional-day licenses, so a five-day license buyer aged 18-64 still needs the annual Habitat Stamp.
- Who
- Non-resident · Ages 16+.
- Water
- freshwater
- Valid for
- Valid for five days.
- Price
- $41.04
Non-Resident One-day Fishing License(external, opens the official state website)
Customers (ages 16+) buying a one-day or one-additional-day license are exempt from the Habitat Stamp fee with the first two of these licenses; the Habitat Stamp fee is assessed when a third license of this type is purchased.
- Who
- Non-resident · Ages 16+.
- Water
- freshwater
- Valid for
- Valid for the single selected day.
- Price
- $21.90
Non-Resident Additional-day Fishing License(external, opens the official state website)
Customers buying a one-day or one-additional-day license are exempt from the Habitat Stamp fee with the first two of these licenses; the Habitat Stamp fee is assessed when a third license of this type is purchased.
- Who
- Non-resident · Listed by CPW for all ages as an add-on day.
- Water
- freshwater
- Valid for
- Adds one further day to a one-day fishing license.
- Price
- $9.13
Stamps, endorsements and report cards
- Annual Colorado Wildlife Habitat Stamp (nonrefundable) — All anglers must purchase a habitat stamp with their license. Only one is required per person, ages 18-64, per year buying or applying for a license. VA combo license holders and First Responder Lifetime License holders are exempt. · $12.76
- Lifetime Colorado Wildlife Habitat Stamp — One-time purchase that satisfies the annual Habitat Stamp requirement for life; available to residents and non-residents. · $384.16
- Second-rod Stamp — Required to fish with a second rod, hand line or tip-up. Available to anyone who has purchased a fishing license and to any youth under 16; all youth fishing with a second line must also purchase it. One stamp per season, non-transferable, and it does not entitle an angler to an additional bag limit. Not required when only using trot-lines or jugs. · $14.24
Exemptions worth knowing
- On Colorado's free fishing weekend, anyone can fish for free: the fishing license and Habitat Stamp requirements are waived.
- Colorado residents on active duty with the U.S. armed forces out of state can fish free without a license while here on temporary leave, to a maximum of 30 days a year. Still required: You must carry official leave papers while fishing.
- CPW offers a free Lifetime Fishing License, or a Lifetime Fishing and Small Game Hunting Combination (VA combo) License, to veterans living in Colorado who have a service-connected disability. Still required: Veterans must apply to CPW for this license. VA combo license holders are exempt from purchasing a Habitat Stamp each year, and the VA combo license is valid only as long as the holder maintains Colorado residency.
- The Columbine Lifetime Fishing License is available to any Colorado resident who has a total and permanent disability. Still required: Residents must apply to CPW for this fishing license.
- First responders who are Colorado residents and have a permanent occupational disability or disease resulting from their official duties are eligible for a free lifetime fishing or small game combo license and parks pass. Still required: Residents must apply to CPW for this license. First Responder Lifetime License holders are exempt from the Habitat Stamp requirement.
- Mental health institutions that provide 24-hour, 7-day-a-week care can apply for a Facility-based Fishing License that covers all their patients. Still required: The facility must apply for the license; it is good for the calendar year in which it was issued and must be renewed each year. It is not available for day-program facilities.
Free fishing days
- Colorado Free Fishing Weekend (day 1 of 2) — June 6, 2026. The fishing license and Habitat Stamp requirements are waived.
- Colorado Free Fishing Weekend (day 2 of 2) — June 7, 2026. The fishing license and Habitat Stamp requirements are waived.
Where this comes from
- Primary source
- Fishing Licenses and Dates | Colorado Parks and Wildlife(external, opens the official state website) — Colorado Parks and Wildlife
- Retrieved
- July 26, 2026
- Reviewed
- July 30, 2026
- Also consulted
- Colorado Residency — Who is a Colorado Resident?(external, opens the official state website)
- Fishing — links the official 2026 Colorado Fishing brochure (cover: "2026 Colorado Fishing — Season: March 1, 2026–March 31, 2027") as "Download the Brochure"; the brochure asset itself is served from CPW's cpw.widen.net digital asset library(external, opens the official state website)
- Habitat Stamp(external, opens the official state website)
- Experience world-class fishing in Colorado for free, June 6-7(external, opens the official state website)
Found something out of date? Email corrections@fishinglicensecheck.com and tell us which figure and which page — see corrections.
Nearby states
Licenses are issued state by state — a Colorado license does not carry its own rules across the border, so if your trip crosses one, check both states.