Colorado Offers Free Fishing June 4-5

Colorado is encouraging anglers young and old to take advantage of Colorado’s great fishing opportunities during Free Fishing Weekend, Saturday and Sunday. The first full weekend in June is set aside each year to promote sport fishing and no fishing license is required in Colorado during that weekend. “Free fishing weekend is a great opportunity for people to try out fishing if they haven’t yet,” said Greg Gerlich, aquatic section manager for the Division of Wildlife. “It’s also a chance for those who used to fish Colorado’s outstanding waters to get back into the sport.” While no fishing license is required during the first full weekend in June, all other regulations remain in effect. That means that limits on the number of fish that can be caught you can catch in a day, known as a “bag limit” and restrictions on bait in certain waters will still be enforced. Outside of free fishing weekend, anglers between the ages of 16 and 64 must purchase a fishing license before casting a line. An annual resident fishing license costs $26, and an annual non-resident license costs $56. One-day or five-day fishing licenses are also available. Youths under age 16 are not required to have a license. The Division offers resident seniors, age 65 and older, an annual Colorado fishing license for $1. Colorado has more than 2,000 lakes, ponds, and reservoirs that hold a variety of fish including trout, bass, walleye and catfish. There are also more than 10,000 miles of streams and rivers in Colorado, which offer outstanding trout fishing opportunities. Many of Colorado’s 42 state parks offer fishing opportunities and camping options for a great family outing. Each year, the Division of Wildlife stocks more than 3 million catchable-sized trout; in addition to 14 million trout fingerlings. The Division also stocks more than 80 million warm-water fry and fingerlings around the state each year.