Colorado Parks and Wildlife announced that fishing licenses for the 2026–2027 season are now available.

Annual licenses are valid from March 1, 2026, through March 31, 2027, a 13-month period. Regulations and pricing for annual, daily and multi-day fishing licenses are available in the 2026 Colorado Fishing Brochure.

Youth ages 15 and under may fish for free.

Licenses can be purchased online at cpwshop.com, by phone at 1-800-244-5613, at Colorado Parks and Wildlife offices or through licensed sales agents. The agency also offers specialty licenses and passes for veterans, people with disabilities, seniors, income-eligible residents and first responders.

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Anglers who purchase a license also pay a $1.25 Colorado Backcountry Search and Rescue fee, which helps fund local search-and-rescue teams coordinated through county sheriff offices.

Colorado offers fishing opportunities for more than 35 species across about 6,000 miles of streams and more than 1,300 lakes and reservoirs.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife recently introduced a new classification of fishable waters known as Colorado Quality Waters, joining the state’s existing Gold Medal Waters designation. Fisheries biologists identify these waters using fish sampling records, creel surveys and biological assessments.

The agency operates 19 fish hatcheries that breed, hatch and stock more than 90 million fish annually. Some hatchery fish support recreational fishing opportunities that contribute about $1.9 billion each year to Colorado’s economy, while others support recovery efforts for native species.

“CPW biologists, hatchery staff, and volunteers will soon be spawning fish from wild brood waters to replenish our walleye and saugeye fisheries,” said Colorado Parks and Wildlife Deputy Assistant Director Josh Nehring. “Our hatcheries also stock the Front Range waters with trout while water temperatures remain cool for added angling opportunities.”

Officials are also warning anglers about the continued spread of aquatic nuisance species following the discovery of zebra mussels in the Colorado River in 2024 and additional detections in 2025.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is urging anglers and other recreation users to “clean, drain and dry” fishing gear to help prevent the spread of invasive species. Gear and watercraft cleaning stations have been installed at state parks, wildlife areas and river access points.

“The spread of zebra mussels and other aquatic nuisance species poses a significant threat to our rivers, lakes, and reservoirs,” said Invasive Species Program Manager Robert Walters. “What people may not realize is these invasive species can severely damage ecosystems, fisheries and water infrastructures, which can impact hydropower production, clog irrigation pipes for agricultural producers, and even impact our drinking water.”

More information, including fishing locations and stocking reports, is available at cpw.state.co.us/fishing.