Colorado Nonresident Fishing License: Fees, Online Options & Visitor Tips
Visiting Colorado to fish? Your biggest decision is not just “buy a license.” It is choosing annual, five-day, one-day or additional-day correctly before you pay.
This guide explains CPW nonresident fees, online buying, Habitat Stamp rules, second-rod stamp, youth rules, TAN proof and the visitor mistakes that can ruin a fishing trip.
Last reviewed: June 25, 2026. Always verify final products, fees, dates and eligibility on official CPW and CPWShop pages before buying.
Quick Answer: How Much Is a Colorado Nonresident Fishing License?
CPW lists the nonresident annual fishing license at $124.01, five-day at $41.04, one-day at $21.90 and additional-day at $9.13. These are the main visitor choices for anglers age 16 and older.
If you are only fishing one exact day, the one-day license may fit. If you are fishing several days on one Colorado trip, compare the five-day license. If you may return later before the license year ends, compare the annual license before checkout.
One-day visitor
Best for one confirmed fishing date. The selected date matters, so double-check it before payment.
Multi-day trip
The five-day license is usually the clean visitor option when you plan to fish several days on one trip.
Repeat visitor
The annual license can make sense if you will fish Colorado more than once before March 31 of the following year.
Screenshot Guide: Official CPW Nonresident Fishing License Fees Page
This screenshot is placed near the start because nonresident visitors usually want to confirm the official fee section before comparing options.
Watch First: Digital License Proof After Buying
This helpful video is included early because visitors often buy online and then forget to save proof before reaching weak-signal fishing areas. Use the video for proof-display context; use CPW and CPWShop for legal purchase details.
Colorado Nonresident Fishing License Fees
Use this table to recognize the main CPW-listed visitor fees. CPWShop checkout remains the final place to confirm your exact cart total.
| Nonresident Product | Who It Fits | CPW-Listed Fee | Plain-English Buyer Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Fishing License | Ages 16+ | $124.01 | Best for repeat trips, seasonal stays or more than one Colorado fishing vacation. |
| Five-Day Fishing License | Ages 16+ | $41.04 | Usually the simplest visitor option for a short multi-day fishing trip. |
| One-Day Fishing License | Ages 16+ | $21.90 | Best for one planned fishing date. Check the date before paying. |
| Additional-Day Fishing | Adds another date | $9.13 | Useful for adding one more day, but compare against the five-day product. |
| Second-Rod Stamp | Second line where legal | $14.24 | Needed before using a second rod, hand line or tip-up where allowed. It does not increase bag limits. |
| Annual Habitat Stamp | Generally ages 18–64 when required | $12.76 | Often required once per year. Short-term one-day/additional-day rules have special treatment. |
| Nonresident ANS Stamp | Motorboats and sailboats | $50.00 | Separate boating requirement. A fishing license does not cover boat inspection or ANS rules. |
Which Nonresident Fishing License Should You Buy?
This is where visitors should slow down. The cheapest visible product is not always the best product for your trip.
| Your Trip | Best Starting Option | Why | Watch Out For |
|---|---|---|---|
| You will fish one exact day | Nonresident one-day | Lowest simple choice for one confirmed day. | Wrong date selection, no offline proof, local access rules. |
| You might fish two days | One-day + additional-day | Can be cheaper than five-day if you truly fish only two days. | If the trip grows, five-day may become cleaner. |
| You will fish 3–5 days on one trip | Nonresident five-day | Simple date range for a short fishing vacation. | Date range must match your actual fishing days. |
| You may return to Colorado later | Compare annual | Annual can make sense for repeat visits before March 31. | Annual license year still ends March 31 of the following year. |
| You are bringing youth age 15 or under | No youth license usually needed | CPW says youth age 15 and under fish free. | Bag limits and second-rod stamp rules still matter. |
| You are age 16–18 and not a Colorado resident | Nonresident adult annual if buying annual | CPW lists nonresident youth aged 16–18 as needing the nonresident adult annual license. | Do not assume Colorado resident youth pricing applies to visitors. |
How Nonresidents Buy a Colorado Fishing License Online
The safest online path is CPWShop. This site is only an independent guide and does not sell licenses.
Open CPW’s official license page first
Check the current annual dates, fee list, TAN language, youth rule, Habitat Stamp and second-rod notes before checkout.
Go to CPWShop
Use the official CPWShop purchase page, then sign in or create a CPW customer account.
Select nonresident
If you do not qualify as a Colorado resident, use nonresident products. Do not choose resident pricing because you are staying temporarily.
Choose annual, five-day, one-day or additional-day
Pick based on your real fishing dates. Date-specific licenses are only useful if the dates are correct.
Review Habitat Stamp and second-rod needs
Let CPWShop show required items, but understand what each charge is for before payment.
Save proof immediately
Print, screenshot, save the confirmation email and write down the TAN if CPW provides one.
Habitat Stamp for Nonresidents: What Visitors Need to Know
Many anglers ages 18–64 need one annual Habitat Stamp when buying or applying for a Colorado fishing license. CPWShop should show the stamp when your purchase requires it.
| Question | Simple Visitor Answer |
|---|---|
| How much is the annual Habitat Stamp? | $12.76, CPW-listed as nonrefundable. |
| Who usually needs it? | People ages 18–64 buying or applying for a license, unless an exemption applies. |
| Do one-day visitors pay it right away? | CPW says customers buying a one-day or one-additional-day license are exempt for the first two of these licenses; the fee is assessed when a third license of this type is purchased. |
| Does it replace a fishing license? | No. It is separate from the fishing license itself. |
| Should I remove it from my cart? | No. If CPWShop shows it as required, verify the official rule before changing anything. |
Second-Rod Stamp, ANS Stamp & Other Add-Ons
Nonresident visitors often confuse fishing products with boating and access products. Keep these separate.
Second-rod stamp
Costs $14.24. Use it only if you will fish a second rod, hand line or tip-up where that second line is legal.
Nonresident ANS stamp
Costs $50.00 for motorboats and sailboats. This is a boating requirement, not a fishing-license replacement.
Park and SWA access
A fishing license does not automatically cover every parking lot, state park, SWA, boat ramp or private access issue.
Proof, TAN & Digital License Tips for Visitors
CPW says a temporary authorization number can be used until the license is received in the mail and is valid for 45 days after purchase. For certain 1-day or 5-day purchases close to the transaction date, CPW says no physical license is mailed and the TAN from the confirmation email must be used.
- Screenshot the confirmation page before closing checkout.
- Save the confirmation email and TAN offline.
- Print a copy if you are traveling through low-signal areas.
- Make sure the angler’s legal name and date of birth are correct.
- Do not rely on hotel Wi-Fi or lake parking-lot signal to retrieve proof.
- Carry ID that matches the license buyer information.
Practical Colorado Visitor Fishing Tips
This section keeps the page useful after the fee question is answered. A license does not guarantee a smooth trip.
Download before driving
Save license proof, map pins, CPW rules and route directions before going into mountain or canyon areas.
Fish early in summer
Heat can stress trout. Early morning often gives better comfort, better water temperature and fewer crowds.
Read water-specific rules
Colorado waters can have special limits, bait rules, closures, artificial-fly rules or boat restrictions.
Check access separately
State parks, SWAs, federal areas, marinas and private land can have separate parking or entry requirements.
Boating is its own checklist
Boat registration, ANS stamp, inspection, decontamination and ramp hours may apply beyond your fishing license.
Do not buy twice
If your email is missing, sign in to CPWShop and check your account before buying the same license again.
Where to Go Next After Buying
Nonresident readers usually need two next steps: understand the full Colorado license workflow, then check the exact water they plan to fish.
Need the full license workflow?
Use the main Colorado fishing license guide for CPW Shop steps, resident vs nonresident context, documents, rules and trip planning.
Fishing Grand Lake?
Visitors planning a mountain-lake trip should verify access, lake trout limits, timing and local rules before fishing.
Common Nonresident License Mistakes
- Choosing resident pricing: visiting Colorado does not make you a Colorado resident.
- Buying the wrong date: one-day, additional-day and five-day choices depend on selected dates.
- Ignoring the Habitat Stamp: CPWShop may show it when required; understand why before checkout.
- Forgetting youth age rules: youth age 15 and under can fish free, but age 16+ generally changes the license need.
- Thinking a second-rod stamp doubles the limit: it does not increase bag or possession limits.
- Confusing fishing license with boat rules: ANS stamp, inspection, registration and ramp hours can be separate.
- No offline proof: save TAN, email and license proof before reaching the fishing area.
- Skipping water-specific rules: statewide license purchase does not replace the current fishing brochure or property rules.
Official Links for Final Verification
Use these official pages before you buy, travel or fish.
Use for nonresident fees, annual dates, TAN notes, youth rules, second-rod stamp and Habitat Stamp details.
Use to buy the nonresident license product after comparing options.
Use to understand annual Habitat Stamp requirements and short-term license exemptions.
Use to check ID requirements before buying online or in person.
Use for CPW app information and mobile license access context.
Use before fishing to check current brochures and water-specific legal rules.
Colorado Nonresident Fishing License FAQs
How much is a Colorado nonresident annual fishing license?
CPW lists the nonresident annual fishing license for ages 16+ at $124.01. Verify the final amount in CPWShop before paying.
How much is a Colorado nonresident five-day fishing license?
CPW lists the nonresident five-day fishing license for ages 16+ at $41.04. It is often the simplest option for a short visitor fishing trip.
How much is a Colorado nonresident one-day fishing license?
CPW lists the nonresident one-day fishing license for ages 16+ at $21.90. Make sure the selected date matches the day you fish.
Can nonresidents buy a Colorado fishing license online?
Yes. Nonresidents can buy online through official CPWShop. Use CPWShop or CPW’s official license page, not look-alike checkout sites.
Do nonresident kids need a Colorado fishing license?
Youth age 15 and under can fish free, but limits and regulations still apply. Nonresident anglers age 16 and older generally need a license.
Do nonresidents need a Habitat Stamp?
Many anglers ages 18–64 need a Habitat Stamp when buying or applying for a license, unless an exemption applies. CPWShop should show required items during checkout.
Do nonresidents need a second-rod stamp?
Only if the angler will use a second rod, hand line or tip-up where legal. The second-rod stamp costs $14.24 and does not increase bag limits.
Do nonresident boaters need an ANS stamp?
CPW lists the nonresident ANS stamp at $50.00 for motorboats and sailboats. Boat inspection, registration and ramp rules can also apply.
How long is a Colorado annual fishing license valid?
Annual fishing licenses are valid from March 1 through March 31 of the following year.
What should I save after buying online?
Save your confirmation email, TAN if issued, screenshot, printed copy or digital proof before fishing, especially in areas with weak cell service.
Independent Guide Disclaimer
This page helps visitors understand Colorado nonresident fishing license options, but it is not Colorado Parks and Wildlife, CPWShop or a government website.