Colorado Free Fishing Weekend (2026) — June 6-7

CO 2026 free fishing weekend covers the first full weekend in June! Fish both public reservoirs and Gold Medal rivers legally without a license.

Colorado offers a high-altitude Free Fishing Weekend every summer, encouraging families to explore the state's majestic mountain reservoirs and freestone rivers!

2026 CO Free Fishing Weekend

DateTypeNotes
June 6–7, 2026FreshwaterAlways the first full weekend in June!

Important Rules

During Free Fishing Weekend, the requirements for a fishing license and the Habitat Stamp are officially waived statewide for everyone (residents and non-residents). However, all park entry fees still apply, and all daily bag limits, size restrictions, and specific river gear rules (like artificial flies only) are strictly enforced.

Best Spots for Free Weekend

WaterRegionSpeciesWhy Go
Blue Mesa ReservoirGunnisonKokanee Salmon, Lake TroutColorado's largest body of water
Eleven Mile State ParkSouth ParkTrophy RainbowsEasy bank access for massive trout
Roaring Fork RiverGlenwood AreaWild Browns, RainbowsLegendary Gold Medal trout fishing

See all CO fishing spots.