Colorado Fishing License

Colorado Fishing License
Information for 2008
 

Colorado Fishing Licenses are required if you are 16 or older.  Fishing season in Colorado starts January 1 and ends December 31 each year.  To download the 2008 regulation brochure (Includes Property Descriptions) Right click and "Save Target As". Free Adobe Acrobat Reader Download (to view PDFs)

Fee Effective Jan. 1, 2008 

 

Surcharges:
There will be a 25 cents charge added to the license for the Search and Rescue Fund and 75 cents for the Wildlife Management Public Education Advisory Council.

Wildlife Management Public Education Advisory Council  and Sportsmen's Advisory Group members felt that a 75-cent surcharge on each hunting and fishing license sold in Colorado was an appropriate method of funding the Council's public information campaign for fishing and hunting.

 

 

 

How to purchase a Colorado Fishing License

There are two ways to purchase a fishing license in Colorado:

1. Point of Sale from a License Agent.  These are mostly fly fishing shops, sporting goods stores or big box sporting goods stores. 
   List of License Agents This sortable list is updated daily.
2. Directly from the Department of Wildlife.  There are two methods of purchase.
    
   • Via telephone at 1(800) 244-5613
   • License Instructions
   • Internet Via a secure internet https connection.  How well did the online purchase process work?  I purchased my 2006 license via the internet and the process worked fine.

Proof of Residency Checklist for Resident Licenses

The DOW is using point of purchase computer sales units again this year. Along with other proof of residency requirements, you will be required under Federal law to furnish your social security number to obtain a hunting or fishing license.  SO DON'T BE UPSET WHEN ASKED FOR IT.  Most of the dealers will show you a reference to the law if asked.

Fines can be heavy if caught fishing or hunting without a license. It's cheaper to buy a license.

Non-resident fees are higher than resident fees.  In every state, the fees go to the fisheries and wildlife or equivalent department to maintain hatcheries, stocking programs, education programs to involve more women and children in the fishing sport, studies of whirling disease and related conversation projects.

Please don't complain about the cost of the license to the store where purchased.  They offer licenses as a service to their customers and don't make any money from the sale.

When you purchase your license, ask for a current year Colorado Fishing Regulations and Property Directory booklet.  Take time to familiarize yourself with it as many streams have special regulations and section closures.  Please take time to get a new booklet for 2008 as there are changes from 2007.

DO NOT separate your license or you will invalidate it.  DO sign it to make it valid.

Colorado Wildlife Habitat Stamp and State Wildlife Areas (SWA's)

WHO NEEDS A STAMP?
Anyone that cares about Colorado?s wildlife can purchase a stamp!
A stamp is required on the first TWO hunting or fishing licenses purchased by an individual in a calendar year. A non-licensed person must hold a stamp for admittance to any designated State Wildlife Area (SWA). Requiring a habitat stamp for SWA usage ensures that everyone helps pay for wildlife habitat and access.

Stamps are free for youth (19 and under) and seniors age 64. Once you turn 65 and are a Colorado Resident, you are exempt from the Habitat Stamp. Stamps are also free for the mobility impaired, military hospital patients, and Colorado residents who are active duty military personnel stationed outside Colorado, but on leave in Colorado.

Stamps can be purchased wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold (including the DOW website and 1-800-244-5613).  (Cannot be purchased at the SWA locations) 

WHAT DOES IT COST?
The Colorado Wildlife Habitat Stamp is $10 if purchased without a hunting or fishing license.   When purchased with a license, it is $5 and required on the first TWO licenses purchased in a calendar year. A lifetime stamp is available for $200.  All funds collected will be used for the benefit of wildlife.

At age 65, if you wish to be covered by Search and Rescue, you must purchase a CORSAR card.  The card covers reimbursement to county sheriffs for costs incurred on a mission such as mileage, meals, replacement of lot equipment, horses, ATVs or aircraft used in a search.  If such aircraft are used for medical transport, the medical portion is not covered by the card.  (ie. Have some insurance if you are going into the back country. Cost is one year for $5 and 5 years for $12)

Free Fishing Weekend

The first full weekend of June is free fishing weekend. You do not need to have a Colorado fishing license to fish this weekend, but all other rules and regulations apply.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Helpful information from the Colorado Department of Wildlife

Search State Wildlife Areas   This area has been much improved for 2007 to include interactive maps and pdf maps by region of the Wildlife managed areas.  If you want to get away from the crowds, take time to really study this resource.  You paid 10.25 to get access to all of them.

 

State Land Trust Information including pdf maps  The brochure link is at top of page.
Generally open from 9/1 through 2/28 each year.  The months of Sep, Oct and Nov can be some of the prime fishing in Colorado.  Since these waters are almost private, you may find some "trophy" sized fish here.

State Trust Land Maps  -- great information here