By Bridget Kochel
Colorado Parks and Wildlife reminds anglers the upcoming 2020-2021 fishing season is upon us. This year, fishing licenses are available and valid as of Sunday, March 1.
New this year, the Colorado fishing license is valid March 1, 2020 through March 31, 2021. Regulations and pricing for annual, daily and multi-day fishing licenses can be found in the 2020 Colorado Fishing Brochure. For individuals ages 18 through 64, a $10 Habitat Stamp is required with the first license purchase for the year. Youth under age 16 can fish for free, and CPW provides opportunities throughout the season to learn how to fish.
Coloradans and non-resident visitors can purchase fishing licenses online, by phone at 1-800-244-5613, at your local CPW office or at any of our hundreds of authorized sales agents statewide. CPW does not receive general tax dollars and fishing license fees support all statewide hatchery and fish-stocking operations.
CPW stocks 90 million fish annually into waters throughout Colorado in order to ensure quality angling opportunities. Waters of Colorado are open to taking fish, amphibians, mollusks and crustaceans both day and night, year-round, except as otherwise provided in the Fishing Regulations Brochure.
“CPW crews will soon be spawning walleyes to replenish our walleye and saugeye fisheries,” said CPW Aquatic Section Manager Matt Nicholl. “They will also be stocking front range waters with trout while water temperatures remain cool for added angling opportunities.”
Whether you enjoy line fishing, ice fishing or fly fishing, Colorado provides 6,000 miles of streams and more than 1,300 lakes and reservoirs. Fishing in Colorado opens the prospect to catch 35 species of warm-water and cold-water fish.
Fishing is a great activity to share with family and friends, and the perfect chance to get outside and enjoy Colorado’s natural resources.
“Spring is around the corner and so is the opportunity to get out and enjoy the Colorado lifestyle by going fishing,” said CPW Angler Education Coordinator Howard Horton. “If you are new to fishing there are many classes offered around the state. Classes are available for new anglers, families, or seasoned anglers that want to learn a new way to fish.”
CPW fishing classes, events, seminars and tournaments are posted on the Fishing News and Events web page.
When planning your next fishing trip, download our free fishing apps, available on the AppStore or Google Play. The CPW Fishing App allows anglers to research fishing locations and species availability, check water conditions, track catches and read the latest regulations. Our new Match a Hatch App is designed to help fly anglers identify the flies that are hatching in Colorado each month and find an appropriate artificial fly to use to fish.
For more information about fishing in Colorado, visit the CPW website.