Colorado Fishing License Cost: Current CPW Fees Explained
Colorado fishing license prices are not just one number. The final cost depends on residency, age, trip length, Habitat Stamp rules, second-rod use and whether you also need boating or access products.
This guide breaks the CPW fee table into plain English so you can choose the right license before checkout and avoid paying for the wrong product.
Last reviewed: June 25, 2026. CPW Shop and official CPW pages are the final source for your exact checkout total.
Quick Answer: How Much Is a Colorado Fishing License?
A Colorado resident adult annual fishing license is $44.87, and a nonresident annual fishing license is $124.01 under the current CPW fee table. Short-term options include resident one-day at $18.07, nonresident one-day at $21.90, nonresident five-day at $41.04 and additional-day at $9.13.
That is not always the final cost. Many anglers ages 18–64 also need the annual Habitat Stamp, listed at $12.76. A second-rod stamp is $14.24 if you want to use a second line where legal.
Resident annual
$44.87 for Colorado residents ages 18–63. This is usually the simplest choice if you fish more than a couple times.
Nonresident annual
$124.01 for nonresidents ages 16+. Compare this if you may return to Colorado before the license year ends.
Short trip
One-day and five-day licenses can be cheaper for visitors, but only if the dates match your real fishing days.
Official Screenshot Guide: CPW Colorado Fishing License Fees Page
This screenshot is placed near the start so readers can quickly recognize the official CPW fee table before opening the live page or buying through CPW Shop.
Watch First: How License Fees Support Colorado Fishing
This helpful CPW-related video gives visual context for why fishing license fees matter. Use it for conservation context, then use the official CPW fee page and CPW Shop for actual purchase decisions.
Current CPW Colorado Fishing License Fee Tables
Use these tables as a practical reading of the CPW fee page. Your CPW Shop cart remains the final checkout source.
Resident Colorado Fishing License Fees
| Resident Product | Who It Fits | CPW Fee | Plain-English Buying Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Annual Fishing License | Ages 18–63 | $44.87 | Best default for residents who fish more than a couple times in the license year. |
| Senior Annual Fishing License | Ages 64+ | $12.96 | Lower-cost fishing-only option for qualifying Colorado resident seniors. |
| Youth Fishing License | Ages 16–17 | $12.96 | Resident youth license. Second-rod stamp still applies if using a second line. |
| Small Game and Fishing Combo | Residents who also need small game privileges | $64.02 | Only better if the small game part matters to you. |
| Senior Small Game and Fishing Combo | Resident ages 64+ | $38.03 | Compare with senior fishing-only if you do not hunt small game. |
| Senior Annual Small Game Upgrade | Eligible senior lifetime / low-income annual fishing holders | $27.82 | Niche add-on for specific senior license holders. |
| One-Day Fishing | Short resident trip | $18.07 | Good for one exact fishing date. Check the selected date carefully. |
| Additional-Day Fishing | Adds one more fishing date | $9.13 | Compare with annual if you are adding multiple days. |
| Second-Rod Stamp | Second line where legal | $14.24 | Does not increase your bag limit and cannot be shared with another angler. |
| Annual Habitat Stamp | Generally ages 18–64 when required | $12.76 | Usually one annual stamp per person when required. |
| Resident ANS Stamp | Resident motorboats and sailboats | $25.00 | Boating requirement, not a normal fishing license fee. |
Nonresident Colorado Fishing License Fees
| Nonresident Product | Who It Fits | CPW Fee | Plain-English Buying Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Fishing License | Ages 16+ | $124.01 | Best for repeat trips, seasonal stays or multiple Colorado fishing vacations. |
| Five-Day Fishing | Ages 16+ | $41.04 | Usually the cleanest visitor option for a short fishing trip of several days. |
| One-Day Fishing | Ages 16+ | $21.90 | Best for one planned fishing day. |
| Additional-Day Fishing | Add one more date | $9.13 | Compare one-day plus add-ons against five-day before buying. |
| Second-Rod Stamp | Second line where legal | $14.24 | Available to license holders and youth under 16. It does not increase limits. |
| Annual Habitat Stamp | Generally ages 18–64 when required | $12.76 | Check CPW Shop because product choice affects whether it appears. |
| Nonresident ANS Stamp | Motorboats and sailboats | $50.00 | Separate boating-related requirement. Check ramp and inspection rules too. |
| Lifetime Habitat Stamp | One-time Habitat Stamp option | $384.16 | Only worth comparing if you understand your long-term Colorado license needs. |
One-Day, Five-Day or Annual: Which Is Cheaper?
This is where many users overpay. Do not buy based only on the first price you see. Match the product to your real fishing dates.
| Your Fishing Plan | Usually Compare First | Why | Buyer Warning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident fishing one exact day | Resident one-day at $18.07 | Lower than annual if it truly is one date. | Select the correct date and save TAN/proof offline. |
| Resident fishing several times | Resident annual at $44.87 | Annual becomes cleaner when you fish multiple days. | Habitat Stamp may apply depending on age/product. |
| Nonresident fishing one day | Nonresident one-day at $21.90 | Best for a quick single-day Colorado trip. | Wrong date means wasted money. |
| Nonresident fishing three to five days | Nonresident five-day at $41.04 | Usually simpler than stacking multiple one-day/additional-day licenses. | The date range must cover the real fishing days. |
| Nonresident returning later | Nonresident annual at $124.01 | May make sense for multiple trips before March 31. | Do not forget the annual license year end date. |
| Using two rods | Second-rod stamp at $14.24 | Only needed if you actually use a second line where legal. | It does not double your bag limit. |
Habitat Stamp Cost: The Fee Many Anglers Forget
The annual Habitat Stamp is listed at $12.76. CPW says only one is required per person ages 18–64 per year when buying or applying for a license.
Most common case
If you are age 18–64 and buying a fishing license, expect CPW Shop to show Habitat Stamp rules during checkout.
Short-license detail
The first two one-day or additional-day fishing licenses are treated differently; the stamp is assessed when a third license of that type is purchased.
Do not guess exemptions
Some special licenses may be exempt, but you should verify directly through CPW or CPW Shop before assuming.
Verify details on the official CPW Habitat Stamp page.
Second-Rod Stamp Cost: When the $14.24 Add-On Matters
The CPW-listed second-rod stamp fee is $14.24. It allows a second rod, hand line or tip-up where legal, but it does not increase your bag limit and it is not transferable.
| Question | Simple Answer | Cost Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Can I fish with two rods? | Only if the water allows it and you have the second-rod stamp. | Add $14.24. |
| Can I share my stamp? | No. One stamp belongs to one angler. | Each person using a second line needs their own. |
| Does it double my bag limit? | No. Your fish limit stays the same. | Do not keep extra fish because you paid extra. |
| Do youth under 16 need it? | Youth under 16 can fish free, but CPW notes a second-rod stamp applies if using a second line. | Add $14.24 if they use a second line where legal. |
ANS Stamp Cost: Boat Owners Need to Read This Separately
The Aquatic Nuisance Species stamp is not a normal fishing license. CPW lists it for motorboats and sailboats: $25.00 for residents and $50.00 for nonresidents.
Motorboat or sailboat?
Check ANS stamp, registration and inspection requirements before launching.
Inspection still matters
A stamp does not replace clean-drain-dry, decontamination or ramp inspection rules.
Separate from fishing
Do not confuse boat products with your fishing license, State Park pass or SWA access proof.
CPW Shop Buying Tips: Avoid the Wrong Cost
The cheapest-looking license can become the wrong purchase if your dates, residency, stamps or proof are wrong. Use this practical checkout flow.
Pick residency first
Resident pricing requires proof. Do not choose resident just because you are staying in Colorado temporarily.
Pick trip length second
One-day, additional-day, five-day and annual licenses only make sense when the dates match the real trip.
Check Habitat Stamp
Look for the Habitat Stamp in your checkout if your age and product require it.
Add second rod only if needed
Do not pay $14.24 unless you will actually use a second line where legal.
Save TAN and proof
CPW says a temporary authorization number can be used while waiting for the license and is valid for 45 days after purchase. Save it before leaving home.
Check access separately
A fishing license does not automatically cover state park entry, SWA access for every date, boat ramps, local permits or private-property access.
For a full purchase walkthrough, use the same-site Colorado fishing license guide. For the final purchase, use the official CPW Shop.
What You Need Before You Pay
Do not start checkout if you are unsure about ID, residency, dates or proof. That is how users buy twice or buy the wrong product.
| Requirement | Why It Matters | Cost Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Government-issued ID | Needed to purchase a fishing license. | Wrong identity details can create account or proof problems. |
| Residency proof | Needed for resident-priced products. | Buying resident when you do not qualify can become a serious issue. |
| Correct fishing dates | Short-term products depend on selected date range. | Wrong date can make the license useless for your trip. |
| Habitat Stamp review | Many anglers ages 18–64 need it. | Final cart can be higher than the base license fee. |
| Second-rod decision | Only needed if using a second line where legal. | Unneeded add-on wastes money. |
| Offline proof | Fishing spots can have poor service. | Buying correctly does not help if you cannot show proof. |
Review accepted ID on the official CPW accepted identification page.
Can You Show a Colorado Fishing License on Your Phone?
CPW says resident fishing licenses can be displayed through the myColorado app. The official myColorado page also explains CPW digital license access from the app wallet.
Digital can help
Resident anglers can use digital license tools where supported. Set it up before the trip, not at the water.
Save offline
Even if a digital license works, screenshots, TAN notes and printed proof can save the day in weak service areas.
Daily license note
If a short-term license is bought near the fishing date, CPW may require TAN proof from the email confirmation.
Use the official myColorado CPW Digital Licenses page for app instructions.
Common Colorado Fishing License Cost Mistakes
- Comparing only the base license fee: Habitat Stamp, second-rod stamp or ANS products can change your final total.
- Buying one-day when five-day is better: visitors fishing several days should compare the five-day option first.
- Buying annual too late without checking dates: annual licenses run March 1 through March 31 of the following year.
- Choosing resident without proof: resident pricing is not based on vacation plans or owning property alone.
- Forgetting youth rules: youth 15 and under fish free, but limits and second-line rules still apply.
- Buying second-rod stamp for no reason: only buy it if you will use a second line where legal.
- Thinking ANS stamp equals fishing license: ANS is a boating-related product, not fishing permission.
- Not saving TAN: CPW says TAN can be used while waiting for mailed license, so write it down or screenshot it.
- Assuming license covers every access fee: state parks, local reservoirs, SWAs, boats and private lands can have separate rules.
- Using unofficial checkout pages: buy through CPW Shop, CPW offices or authorized agents.
Official CPW Links for Final Verification
Use these official resources before paying. This guide explains fees, but CPW controls the final price, products and rules.
Use for current fee tables, annual license dates, TAN notes, youth rules, second-rod rules and digital proof details.
Buy the correct Colorado fishing license, Habitat Stamp, second-rod stamp, ANS stamp or pass.
Verify who needs the Habitat Stamp and how one-day/additional-day license treatment works.
Review ID requirements before buying a license.
Check resident eligibility before choosing resident-priced products.
Use for digital license display instructions and app setup.
Check current Colorado fishing brochures and legal rule resources before fishing.
Find CPW offices, phone help and support options for license questions.
Colorado Fishing License Cost FAQs
How much is a Colorado resident adult annual fishing license?
CPW lists the Colorado resident adult annual fishing license at $44.87 for ages 18–63.
How much is a nonresident Colorado annual fishing license?
CPW lists the nonresident annual fishing license at $124.01 for anglers ages 16 and older.
How much is a one-day Colorado fishing license?
CPW lists resident one-day fishing at $18.07 and nonresident one-day fishing at $21.90.
How much is a Colorado nonresident five-day fishing license?
CPW lists the nonresident five-day fishing license at $41.04 for ages 16 and older.
How much is the Colorado Habitat Stamp?
CPW lists the annual Habitat Stamp at $12.76. Many anglers ages 18–64 need one when buying or applying for a license.
How much is the Colorado second-rod stamp?
CPW lists the second-rod stamp at $14.24. It allows a second line where legal but does not increase your bag limit.
Do kids need a Colorado fishing license?
CPW says youth age 15 and under fish for free. Rules, limits and second-line requirements still apply.
When does a Colorado annual fishing license expire?
CPW says annual fishing licenses are valid from March 1 through March 31 of the following year.
Does the Colorado fishing license fee include all access costs?
No. A fishing license does not automatically cover state park entry, local reservoir permits, private access, boat registration, ANS inspections or all SWA access situations.
Where should I buy a Colorado fishing license?
Use official CPW Shop, CPW offices or authorized license agents. Avoid look-alike pages that are not official CPW purchase channels.
Independent Guide Disclaimer
This article explains Colorado fishing license costs in plain English, but it is not an official Colorado Parks and Wildlife, CPW Shop, myColorado or State of Colorado page.