Colorado Fishing Licenses Go on Sale
Spring-like temperatures across Colorado have sparked early fishing activity, with 2026-27 fishing licenses now available statewide. The Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife is encouraging residents and visitors to secure licenses as soon as possible as the warm weather boosts participation.
The new 2026-27 Colorado fishing licenses are valid from March 1, 2026, through March 31, 2027, offering 13 months of angling opportunities. An annual license for a resident adult costs $44.87. Special licenses and passes are also available for veterans, individuals with disabilities, seniors, and first responders. Revenue from fishing license sales is the primary source of funding for Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), accounting for over half of the agency's annual revenue. These funds are crucial for fishery management, supporting the operation of 19 fish hatcheries, and stocking over 90 million fish in Colorado's waters each year. This angling activity contributes an estimated $1.9 billion to the state's economy annually. For the 2026 season, there are no longer size, bag, or possession limits for tiger muskie in the North Fork of the Colorado River, Shadow Mountain Spillway, Grand Lake, and Lake Granby. Additionally, new seasonal fishing prohibitions are in effect for sections of the Blue River and Tenmile Creek from September 15th to December 1st. In addition to the well-known Gold Medal Waters, Colorado Parks and Wildlife has introduced a new designation called Colorado Quality Waters. This classification is based on scientific data, including fish sampling records and biological assessments, to identify waters with high-quality angling potential. State officials are emphasizing the importance of preventing the spread of aquatic nuisance species. Anglers are urged to "clean, drain, and dry" all their fishing equipment to help stop the proliferation of invasive species like the zebra mussels discovered in the Colorado River.
