Fishing in Colorado. About fish. lakes, licenses and regulations

What kind of fish can you catch in Colorado

Below are 39 types of fish that can be caught in Colorado. The data have been collected based on fishing reports from Colorado and have undergone serious moderation. Explore the map of Colorado to find out where a particular type of fish is biting.

Butterfly peacock bass

Lakes and reservoirs for fishing in Colorado

Below are the largest and most popular lakes, reservoirs, and bays for fishing in Colorado. Each Colorado body of water includes information on fish species, analytics, and a map with fishing spots

Navajo Lake

Blue Mesa Reservoir (CO)

Lake Granby (CO)

Elevenmile Canyon Reservoir (CO)

Spinney Mountain Reservoir (CO)

Pueblo Reservoir (CO)

Chatfield Reservoir (Douglas, CO)

Cherry Creek Reservoir (CO)

Rifle Gap Reservoir (CO)

McKay Lake (CO)

Monument Lake (El Paso, CO)

Hunters Glen Lake (CO)

Keystone Lake (CO)

Licenses for fishing in Colorado

Please note that some licenses have specific criteria or eligibility requirements. For more detailed information and to purchase a fishing license, visit the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website

License Type	Resident Fee	Non-Resident Fee
Annual Fishing License (18+)	$36.71	$102.40
Small Game & Fishing Combination	$52.60	-
Senior Annual Fishing License (65+)	$10.23	-
Senior Low Income Lifetime Fishing (64+)	-	-
Senior Lifetime Fishing Upgrade (65+)	$22.56	-
One-day Fishing License	$14.46	$17.64
Additional-day Fishing License	$7.05	$7.05
2nd Rod Stamp	$11.28	$11.28
Youth Annual Fishing License (16-17)	$10.23	-
Annual Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Stamp	$25.00	$50.00
Five-day Fishing License (Nonresident)	-	$33.53

Fishing Regulations in Colorado

Prohibited Gear and Fishing Methods

Use of explosives, poisons, or electrical devices for fishing is illegal.
Fishing with nets, traps, or seines is restricted to specific permits and designated areas.
Use of live fish as bait is limited in certain waters to protect native species and ecosystems.
Snagging fish is not allowed except in designated areas during specific seasons.
Spearing and bowfishing are permitted for certain species in specified waters, with restrictions.

Catch Limits

Trout: Daily bag limit is 4 fish, with a possession limit of 8, including no more than 2 lake trout.
Bass (Largemouth and Smallmouth): Combined daily bag and possession limit of 5 fish.
Walleye: Daily bag limit varies, often 5 fish with size restrictions in some waters.
Crappie: Daily bag limit of 20, with a possession limit of 40.
Catfish: Daily bag limit of 10 fish, with a possession limit of 20.
Pike: Daily bag limit varies, with size restrictions in some waters.
Perch: Daily bag limit of 20, with a possession limit of 40.
Carp: No daily bag or possession limit.
Kokanee Salmon: Daily bag limit varies, often 10 during open season.
Tiger Muskellunge: Daily bag limit of 1, with a minimum length of 36 inches.

Restrictions on Access to Water Bodies

Access to some waters may be restricted for environmental conservation or public safety reasons.
Fishing on private property requires explicit permission from the landowner.
Special regulations for fishing in state parks and wildlife areas.
No fishing zones enforced around certain infrastructures like dams and fish hatcheries.
Seasonal access restrictions in certain areas for fish spawning and habitat management.

Zones of Special Regulation

Catch-and-release areas for certain species, especially trout.
Areas with gear restrictions, such as artificial lures only or barbless hooks.
Slot limits and specific bag limits in trophy fishing areas for bass and other species.
Special regulations in Gold Medal waters to preserve high-quality trout fishing experiences.
Regulated fishing zones for commercial and recreational fishing activities.

Protection of Rare Species

Fishing for endangered or threatened species is strictly prohibited.
Special regulations in habitats of rare or sensitive aquatic species.
Research fishing for rare species requires special permits and reporting.
Conservation measures and habitat protection for vulnerable species.
Monitoring and enforcement efforts to protect critical marine ecosystems.

Seasonal Restrictions

Closed seasons for specific species during spawning or migration periods.
Regulated fishing seasons for sustainable harvesting of marine and freshwater resources.
Temporary area closures for conservation, research, or habitat restoration efforts.
Emergency closures due to environmental conditions or resource conservation needs.
Season-specific regulations for migratory fish and shellfish species.

Most popular cities for fishing in Colorado

The largest and most popular fishing cities in Colorado. Cities in Colorado include information on fishing, as well as a map with fishing spots. Explore the cities to know what fish are caught and in which bodies of water.