CO Fishing Without a License — Penalties, Wardens & Creel Limits (2026)

CO fishing penalties: $50-$200 + massive CPW surcharge fees! Strict rules apply to Gold Medal waters. Standard trout limit is 4.

Fishing without a valid CO fishing license carries strict fines and the potential loss of fishing privileges across 49 states.

ViolationFine RangeNotes
No fishing license or stamp$50 – $200Plus hidden CPW surcharge fees
Fishing with 2 rods un-stamped$50Also applies to youth under 16!
Over bag limit$50+Plus heavy $X per fish illegal possession fines

Key Creel Limits

SpeciesDaily LimitNotes
Trout (Rainbow/Brown)4In aggregate. Varies wildly by exact river.
Lake Trout (Mackinaw)1 to 4Massive size regulations dependent on the lake.
Kokanee Salmon10Snagging allowed only on certain dates
Walleye5Strict length limits on eastern plains reservoirs
Largemouth Bass515" minimum length at most state parks

Call Operation Game Thief: 1-877-COLO-OGT.

A CO resident total annual license is $55.38. Get yours.