While preparing for an upcoming fishing adventure in Colorado, I needed to make sure I purchased a fishing license for my fishing trip. Initially I wasn’t sure how much they cost and where to buy one. So, I did some research on the different fishing licenses in Colorado and here is what I was able to find.
A resident annual Colorado fishing license cost $36.08. A resident 1-day fishing license can be purchased for $14.23 and $6.95 for each additional day. Non-resident fishing licenses are much more expensive and can range from $17.35 to $100.57, depending on how many days. For most Colorado fishing licenses anglers will be required to also purchase a Habitat Stamp which costs around $10.40 per year.
Like most other states, Colorado offers different price points, discounts and license packaging depending on the length of your license, age and residency status.
For more information on the cost of each Colorado fishing license, where to find and buy one and the different fishing regulations and species in Colorado continue ready below.
Fishing License Cost in Colorado
In order to purchase a fishing license in Colorado you must have proper identifications and proof of residency (if purchasing a resident license). A Habitat Stamp is also required prior to buying a fishing license for any one the age of 18-64). You must purchase one each year or you have the option to purchase a lifetime Habitat Stamp as well.
Here is a list of all the different fishing license options anglers have in Colorado:
| Fishing License Type | Resident | Non-Resident |
| Adult Annual (18-64) | $36.08 | $100.57 |
| One-day Fishing License | $14.23 | $17.35 |
| Additional-day fishing | $6.95 | $6.95 |
| Senior Annual (65+) | $10.07 | $100.57 |
| Senior Small Game & Fishing Combo | $30.50 | NA |
| Small Game & Fishing Combo | $51.68 | NA |
| Non-Resident 5 Day Fishing License | NA | $32.95 |
| You Resident Fishing License (16-17) | $10.07 | NA |
| Second Rod Stamp | $11.11 | $11.11 |
| 1-Year Habitat Stamp | $10.40 | $10.40 |
| Lifetime Habitat Stamp | $312.30 | NA |
Colorado also offers several programs and discounts to anglers with disabilities and veterans. For more information on these programs visit the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Website.
Who Needs a Colorado Fishing License?
In the state of Colorado any angler 16 or older needs to have and carry a valid license to be able to go fishing. Anglers under 16 aren’t required to purchase a fishing license and can take a full limit.
Colorado offers both resident and non-resident license options. A resident is considered anyone that has lived in Colorado for more than 6 months.
For more information on Colorado fishing license requirements visit the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Website.
Where Can You Purchase a Colorado Fishing License?
Now days you can purchase a Colorado fishing license online, over the phone or at an authorized fishing license retailer like an outdoor sporting goods store or tackle shop.
To buy a fishing license online visit the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Website.
Colorado fishing licenses are available for purchase online, by the phone, or at a license retailer.
If you are a Colorado resident, you also have the option to purchase or renew you fishing license via the myColorado app. You can download the myColorado app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Colorado Fishing License FAQ
Does Colorado Require a Fishing License? Yes, any person 16 and older is required to buy and carry with them a fishing license. Youth ages 16-17 and seniors (65+) are eligible for a license discount, but must still have a license to be able to fish. Anglers 15 and under are not required to purchase a license.
How much is a 1 day fishing license in Colorado? A one day Colorado fishing license cost $14.23 for residents and $17.35 for non-residents. Each additional day after that is $6.95 for both residents and non-residents.
How much is an annual fishing license in Colorado? An annual Colorado fishing license can be purchased for $25.00 for residents and $50.00 for non-residents. For annual fishing licenses you must also purchase a Habitat Stamp for $10.40. Annual licenses are valid March 1-March 31 the next year.
How much is a Colorado fishing license for seniors? An annual senior Colorado fishing license can be purchased for $10.07 for residents and $100.57 for non-residents. A single day fishing license for seniors in Colorado is $14.23 for residents and $14.23 for non residents with a $6.95 for each additional day after that.
Can you get a lifetime fishing license in Colorado? Currently Colorado only offers lifetime fishing licenses to residents 64 years of age or older whose income falls below HHS poverty guidelines. You can however buy a lifetime Habitat Stamp for around $300 dollars which would save you money over the long run.
Can I buy a Colorado fishing license online? Yes, you can purchase a Colorado fishing license online by going to Colorado Parks and Wildlife Website. You can also purchase a license via the phone or at an authorized dealer.
Can you buy a Colorado fishing license at Walmart? Yes, you can purchase a Colorado fishing license at most Walmarts in Colorado as long as they are an authorized dealer. You can also purchase them in a variety of other places as well. You can search for authorized vendors here.
Fish to Catch in Colorado
Colorado is a great place to fish and offers anglers with some unique and diverse fishing opportunity’s.
To help you understand which species you can expect to catch and some great places to go , I’ve put together the following list of the most popular game fish and Colorado fishing destinations.
Popular Colorado Fish Species
- Lake Trout
- Splake
- Tiger Trout
- Brown Trout
- Brook Trout
- Golden Trout
- Rainbow Trout
- Mountain Whitefish
- Greenback Cutthroat Trout
- White Bass
- Spotted Bass
- Striped Bass
- Smallmouth Bass
- Largemouth Bass
- Bluegill
- Green Sunfish
- Black Crappie
- Walleye
- Saugeye
- Yellow Perch
Colorado Fishing Destinations
- Animas River
- Arkansas River
- Blue River
- Bear Creek Lake
- Moutn Evans
- Colorado River
- Fryingpan River
- Gore Creek
- Gunnison River
- Glenwood Springs
- Carbondale
- Corn Lake
- Lake City
- Meeker
- Rio Grande
- Roaring Fork River
- South Platte River
- North Delaney Butte Lake
- Spinney Mountain Reservoir
- Steamboat Lake
Fishing Guide & Resources
- The 5 Best Trout Lures for Fast Water
- How to Catch Trout: A Complete Beginners Guide
- Fishing for Lake Trout – The Ultimate Guide
- 20 Trout Fishing Tips to Catch More Fish
- Trout Fishing: When is the Best Time to Go?
- How to Catch Bass in Ponds: 7 Easy Steps
Other Fishing License Information
- How Much Is a Fishing License in Wisconsin?
- How Much Does a Montana Fishing License Cost?
- How Much Does a Wyoming Fishing License Cost?
- How Much Does a Utah Fishing License Cost?
- How Much Does a Idaho Fishing License Cost?
Final Thoughts
Whether you are a resident or non-resident ensuring you purchase and carry with you a valid fishing license is extremely important.
Not only does the money go to help outdoor recreation and conservation in Colorado but it will help keep the law and prevent you from receiving a citation.
I hope you have found this article on Colorado fishing licenses to be insightful and that you buy the right license for your next fishing adventure.
