Colorado Fishing Season and Limits for 2025–2026 by Month – Species, Licenses & Hotspots
Colorado is an angler’s dream come true if you’ve ever stood at the brink of a glistening mountain stream and watched trout dart through the torrent while snow-capped peaks tower overhead. Knowing Colorado’s 2025–2026 fishing laws is essential to catching that monster catch, regardless of whether you’re a native who knows every twist and turn of the Arkansas River or a novice organizing your trip to the Rocky Mountains.
The problem is that, unlike several states, Colorado doesn’t actually have “closed seasons.” You may wet a line in January’s freezing reservoirs or hunt browns during October’s golden aspen season because the majority of the waterways here are available all year round. However—and this is crucial—certain waterways have unique restrictions, slot limitations, and rules that you must be aware of before you go.
I know that having the proper equipment isn’t enough to succeed here since I’ve spent enough languid summer afternoons casting dry flies and chilly mornings on ice-covered lakes. The key to making Colorado one of the top fishing destinations in the nation is understanding when and where to fish, what you may keep, and how to treat these amazing freshwater resources with care. Let’s get right into everything you need to know about the forthcoming season.
📅 Quick Reference by Month for Colorado Fishing
Colorado’s angling opportunities shift with the seasons, and each month brings its own charm and challenges. Here’s a snapshot of what to expect throughout the year:
| Month | Prime Species | Key Activity | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| January–February | Rainbow Trout, Lake Trout | Ice angling on reservoirs | Bring warm gear; some waters have ice-specific regulations |
| March–April | Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout | Spring thaw begins; trout active | New licenses valid March 1; great stocking starts |
| May–June | All Trout Species, Bass | Peak spring/early summer | Best time for Gold Medal waters; runoff affects rivers |
| July–August | Bass, Pike, Walleye, Trout | Family-friendly angling season | Warmwater species most active; high-elevation lakes shine |
| September–October | Brown Trout, Kokanee Salmon | Fall spawning runs | Kokanee snagging season begins; trophy browns feeding |
| November–December | Kokanee (snagging), Trout | Winter preparations; kokanee runs | Some waters closed for spawning; ice forms on lakes |
🐟 Popular Sport Fish
Rainbow Trout 🌈
The poster child of Colorado angling, rainbow trout swim in nearly every cold-water river, stream, and reservoir across the state. These feisty fighters are available year-round, with spring and fall offering the best action.
Season: Open year-round (statewide)
Daily Bag Limit: 4 trout total (aggregate with other trout species)
Possession Limit: 8 trout
Size Restrictions: Varies by water; some Gold Medal streams have special regulations
Top Waters: South Platte River, Blue River, Cheesman Canyon, Spinney Mountain Reservoir
Brown Trout
If rainbows are the friendly neighbors, brown trout are the grumpy old-timers who’ve seen it all—and they’re much harder to catch. These wily fish grow large in Colorado’s waters and put up an incredible fight.
Season: Open year-round
Daily Bag Limit: Part of the 4-trout aggregate limit
Prime Time: Fall (September–November) when they’re feeding aggressively before winter
Best Spots: Arkansas River, Frying Pan River, Taylor River
Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass 🦈
Colorado’s bass angling has really taken off in recent years, especially in the plains reservoirs and Front Range lakes. These warmwater warriors provide explosive strikes and acrobatic fights.
Season: Open year-round
Daily Bag Limit: No statewide limit (but check individual waters)
Size Restrictions: Some lakes have 15-inch minimum size limits
Hotspots: Pueblo Reservoir, Chatfield Reservoir, Boyd Lake
Walleye
Walleye were introduced to many Colorado reservoirs, and they’ve thrived. These tasty fish are especially popular with anglers who love eating their catch.
Season: Open year-round
Daily Bag Limit: 5 fish aggregate (walleye and saugeye combined)
Size Restrictions: Often 15-18 inch minimums; slot limits on some waters
Special Note: Only one fish over 18 inches on certain reservoirs
Where to Go: Horsetooth Reservoir, Carter Lake, Rifle Gap Reservoir
Northern Pike
Want to catch something with serious teeth? Pike are aggressive predators that can grow massive in Colorado’s waters. They’re a blast to catch and help control populations of other fish.
Season: Open year-round
Daily Bag Limit: No statewide limit
Tackle: Use steel leaders; these fish have razor-sharp teeth
Best Waters: Quincy Reservoir, Stalker Lake, North Delaney Butte Lake
🦞 Specialty Species
Kokanee Salmon 🐠
These landlocked sockeye salmon are one of Colorado’s most unique offerings. The fall spawning run creates spectacular angling opportunities—and yes, snagging is legal during specific periods!
Regular Season: Varies by water; typically limited bag
Snagging Season: Generally September 1–December 31 (check specific waters)
Daily Bag Limit: 5 fish when snagging is permitted
Special Regulations: Many waters close portions for spawning operations
Prime Locations: Blue Mesa Reservoir, Taylor Park Reservoir, Granby Lake
Pro Tip: CPW hosts free kokanee giveaway events during fall at select spawning locations. You’ll need a valid license to participate, but it’s a fantastic way to stock your freezer with delicious salmon.
Lake Trout (Mackinaw)
These deep-water giants can live for decades and reach massive sizes. Landing a 30-inch laker is a real trophy achievement.
Season: Open year-round
Daily Bag Limit: 4 fish (part of trout aggregate)
Size Restrictions: Some waters allow only one fish over 32 inches
Technique: Deep trolling or jigging in 40+ feet of water
Where: Blue Mesa Reservoir, Grand Lake, Dillon Reservoir
Tiger Muskie
A sterile hybrid between northern pike and muskellunge, tiger muskies are stocked as predator control. They’re rare, aggressive, and absolutely thrilling to catch.
Season: Open year-round
Bag Limit: No statewide limit
Minimum Size: Often 36-40 inches on managed waters
Challenge Level: Expert
Trophy Waters: Quincy Reservoir, Adobe Creek Reservoir
🐠 Panfish & Everyday Catches
Sometimes you just want to fill a bucket and have fun with the kids. Colorado’s panfish deliver consistent action and great table fare.
| Species | Daily Bag Limit | Possession Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crappie (Black & White) | No statewide limit | No statewide limit | Check specific waters; some have reduced limits |
| Bluegill | No statewide limit | No statewide limit | Great for kids; abundant in warm reservoirs |
| Yellow Perch | No statewide limit | No statewide limit | Excellent through ice; delicious eating |
| Green Sunfish | No statewide limit | No statewide limit | Aggressive biters; fun on light tackle |
| Channel Catfish | No statewide limit | No statewide limit | Night angling can be productive |
Family-Friendly Panfish Lakes: Cherry Creek State Park, Chatfield Reservoir, Aurora Reservoir, Jackson Reservoir
🦆 Stocked & Managed Waters
Colorado Parks and Wildlife stocks approximately 90 million fish annually across hundreds of waters. If you want to know where the freshest trout are, CPW updates their fish stocking report every Friday during angling season.
Gold Medal Waters 🏆
These are Colorado’s crown jewels—streams and lakes that produce at least 60 pounds of trout per acre or 12 trout per acre over 14 inches. They’re managed with strict regulations for a reason.
Top Gold Medal Waters:
- South Platte River (Cheesman Canyon to Elevenmile Reservoir)
- Frying Pan River (below Ruedi Reservoir)
- Colorado River (various sections)
- Arkansas River (multiple sections)
- Taylor River (below Taylor Park Reservoir)
Typical Gold Medal Regulations:
- Artificial flies and lures only
- Reduced bag limits (often 2 fish)
- Size restrictions (often 16-inch minimum)
- Catch-and-release sections
Community Fishing Waters
CPW designates certain waters as “community” spots specifically for families, beginners, and anglers with disabilities. These locations are regularly stocked and often have:
- Easy access and parking
- Wheelchair-accessible platforms
- Restroom facilities
- Picnic areas
- No special license requirements for youth under 16
🌍 Public vs Private Waters
Here’s something that confuses a lot of out-of-state anglers: Colorado follows a “high-water mark” rule. Even if water flows through private land, if you can legally access it from public land and stay within the high-water mark, you can fish there. That said, always respect posted boundaries and private property.
Public Access Options:
- State Parks (require parks pass)
- National Forest lands
- BLM lands
- State Wildlife Areas
- City and county parks
- Public easements and right-of-ways
Private Water Etiquette:
- Never trespass without explicit permission
- Respect gates and fences
- Consider guided trips on private ranches (worth it!)
- Pack out all trash
Pro Tip: The Colorado Fishing Atlas on CPW’s website shows detailed maps of public access points. Download it to your phone before heading into areas with spotty reception.
🎟️ Fishing License Guide
Let’s talk money—because yes, you need a license, and the fees directly support fisheries management, stocking programs, and habitat restoration.
Resident Licenses (Valid March 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026)
| License Type | Age | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Annual | 18-63 | $42.91 |
| Senior Annual | 64+ | $11.73 |
| Youth Annual | 16-17 | $11.73 |
| One-Day | All ages 18+ | $16.72 |
| Additional Day | All ages | $7.99 |
| Small Game & Fishing Combo | 18+ | $61.62 |
Non-Resident Licenses
| License Type | Age | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Annual | 16+ | $120.25 |
| Five-Day | 16+ | $39.17 |
| One-Day | 16+ | $20.46 |
| Additional Day | Any age | $7.99 |
Add-Ons & Special Stamps
- Annual Habitat Stamp: $12.47 (required once per year, ages 18-64)
- Second-Rod Stamp: $12.98 (lets you fish with two lines simultaneously—no extra bag limit though!)
- Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Stamp: $25 residents / $50 non-residents (required for motorboats)
Youth & Senior Perks
Kids Under 16: Fish FREE! No license required, but they must follow all bag and possession limits.
Colorado Seniors 64+: Discounted annual licenses at just $11.73. There’s also a Centennial lifetime license program for income-eligible seniors.
Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities: Eligible for FREE lifetime licenses! Thank you for your service. Apply here for VA combo licenses.
Where to Buy
- Online: CPWshop.com (most convenient)
- Phone: 1-800-244-5613
- In Person: CPW offices or licensed sales agents (sporting goods stores, etc.)
- Mobile App: Download myColorado app to access digital licenses
Important: You’ll receive a Temporary Authorization Number (TAN) immediately upon purchase. Print or screenshot it—it’s valid for 45 days while your physical license ships.
❓ FAQ Section
Q: Do kids really fish free in Colorado?
A: Yep! Anyone under 16 can fish without a license and take full bag and possession limits. It’s one of the best family-friendly policies in the country.
Q: Can I use live bait everywhere?
A: Not everywhere. Many Gold Medal streams and special regulation waters require artificial flies and lures only. Always check the specific water’s regulations before you go. Generally, most reservoirs and community waters allow live bait.
Q: Is night angling allowed?
A: Yes, on most public waters. Some exceptions exist for specific management areas or during spawning closures. Catfish anglers especially love night sessions!
Q: What about bowfishing and spearfishing?
A: Bowfishing is legal for carp and northern pike on certain waters. Underwater spearfishing is also permitted in some locations but prohibited within 100 feet of boat ramps and marinas. Check regulations carefully for the specific water.
Q: How do I report a trophy catch?
A: CPW loves hearing about big fish! You can submit trophy reports through their website or social media. While Colorado doesn’t have an official state record program, they maintain lists of exceptional catches.
Q: Are there any catch-and-release only waters?
A: Absolutely. Several high-quality streams have catch-and-release regulations to preserve trophy populations. These are clearly marked in the regulations brochure and on CPW’s website.
Q: What if the water I want to fish isn’t listed in the regulations?
A: If a specific water isn’t mentioned in the special regulations section, statewide rules apply. This means a 4-fish trout limit, possession limits as listed, and standard methods of take are allowed.
🗺️ Map & Hotspots
Ready to actually go wet a line? Here are my top picks for the 2025–2026 season:
Must-Visit Waters
- Pueblo Reservoir – Dubbed one of the top 30 angling lakes in Colorado for 2025. Excellent for bass, walleye, and trout. Full-service marina and camping.
- Blue Mesa Reservoir – Colorado’s largest body of water. Trophy kokanee and lake trout. The fall salmon run is bucket-list worthy.
- South Platte River (Cheesman Canyon) – Gold Medal water with stunning scenery. Trout in the 16-20 inch range are common. Technical angling required.
- Spinney Mountain Reservoir – Known for producing massive rainbows over 20 inches. Strict fly-and-lure-only regulations. Worth the drive.
- Chatfield Reservoir – Perfect for Denver-area anglers. Bass, walleye, and stocked trout. Great for families with easy access.
Interactive Maps:
Check out CPW’s Fishing Atlas for detailed lake and stream information, including species present, access points, and facilities.
If you’re planning trips to neighboring states, you might also want to explore California’s fishing opportunities or check out the incredible Minnesota angling scene.
✅ Wrap-Up
Colorado’s 2025–2026 angling season is shaping up to be exceptional. With over 6,000 miles of streams and more than 1,300 lakes and reservoirs, the hardest part isn’t finding fish—it’s deciding where to go first! Whether you’re chasing trophy browns on the Arkansas River, teaching your kids to catch bluegill at a community pond, or braving the cold for kokanee through the ice, this state delivers.
Before you head out, grab your license, double-check the specific regulations for your target water, and pack some extra layers (Colorado weather changes faster than a hooked rainbow changes direction). Most importantly, practice ethical angling: respect bag limits, handle fish gently if you’re releasing them, and leave these incredible waters better than you found them.
The trout are waiting, the bass are hungry, and the pike are absolutely ready to destroy your lure. What are you waiting for? Get out there and make some memories on Colorado’s world-class waters!
For official regulations and updates, always consult the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website.
Tight lines and happy angling! 🎣