Colorado Fishing License Cost (2025) — $55.38 Resident Total Cost

CO fishing license cost: CPW requires a $12.47 Habitat Stamp! The true Resident annual is $55.38. Non-Resident total is $129.61. Licenses expire March 31!

The Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) agency issues the CO fishing license. When buying a license, be aware that CPW advertises "base" prices that don't tell the whole story. All adults 18-64 must also purchase a $12.47 Habitat Stamp. Therefore, the true out-the-door cost for a Resident Annual Fishing License is $55.38.

Colorado Fishing License Cost (2025) — CPWBase prices do NOT include the mandatory $12.47 Habitat Stamp for anglers aged 18-64.Resident (18-64)Base Annual: $42.91Habitat Stamp: $12.47Total Cost: $55.38Seniors (65+): $11.73 (No Stamp)Youth (16-17): $11.73 (No Stamp)Non-Resident (18-64)Base Annual: $117.14Habitat Stamp: $12.47Total Cost: $129.61⚠️ Annual Fishing Licenses expire strictly on MARCH 31st every year!🎣 Roaring Fork Browns • Blue Mesa Kokanee • Spinney Mountain RainbowsThe $12.47 Mandatory Habitat StampA Hidden Fee Required for AdultsAnyone aged 18 to 64 MUST continually purchase a $12.47 Habitat Stampwith their FIRST hunting or fishing license purchase of the year.💡 It is only charged once per year per person, funding wildlife conservation.

2025 CO Fishing License Cost — Resident

LicenseBase PriceTrue Total (w/ Stamp)
Annual Adult (18-64)$42.91$55.38
Youth (16-17)$11.73$11.73 (Stamp Exempt)
Senior (65+)$11.73$11.73 (Stamp Exempt)
1-Day Pass$16.72$16.72 (First 2 are exempt)
Additional Day$7.99Added to 1-Day Pass
Second Rod Stamp$12.68Allows fishing with two lines

CO Non-Resident Fishing License

LicenseBase PriceTrue Total (w/ Stamp)
NR Annual Adult$117.14$129.61
NR Youth (16-17)$11.73$11.73
NR 5-Day Pass$38.25$50.72
NR 1-Day Pass$20.21$20.21
NR Second Rod Stamp$12.68Allows fishing with two lines

The March 31st Expiration

Colorado works on a bizarre expiration calendar. Every annual fishing license goes on sale March 1st and is valid for up to 13 months, completely expiring strictly on March 31st of the following year. Do not buy an annual license in February if you plan to fish in May!

Compare CO With Neighboring States

StateRes AnnualNR Annual
Wyoming$27.00$102.00
Utah$34.00$85.00
New Mexico$25.00$56.00
Kansas$27.50$52.50

Colorado's total out-the-door cost for an adult resident ($55.38) makes it one of the most expensive mountain states for local anglers, nearly double the cost of Wyoming ($27) and New Mexico ($25). Its non-resident pricing is also highly premium, reflecting the world-class gold medal waters found in the state.

FAQ

How much is a second rod stamp?

For $12.68, you can buy a Second Rod Stamp. This allows you to legally fish with two rods in the water simultaneously. Youth under 16 who fish for free MUST buy this $12.68 stamp if they wish to use two rods.

Buy your CO fishing license →