Colorado Parks and Wildlife waives license requirement for two days of fishing fun.
The fish are biting, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) wants you to make the catch of the day! On June 1-2, CPW will allow license-free fishing on its managed waters, encouraging you to enjoy all that Colorado has to offer.
"The Free Fishing Weekend is a great way to get outside with family and friends and take advantage of Colorado's extensive opportunities to fish for a myriad of cold and warm water fish species," says CPW.
There's nothing special you need to do. Just hit your favorite state park and cast a line. It's important to note that this event only covers fishing on the state's land, not private or federally managed waterways.
Not sure where to start? CPW has some awesome tips and apps to help you navigate the waters:
- Fishing Report – This report offers a weekly fishing report from lakes all around Colorado.
- Fishing Atlas – This is an interactive map that shows the many waters people can fish in Colorado.
- 101 Places to Take a Kid Fishing – This webpage has an interactive map showing all of the possible places to take a kid fishing.
- Stocking Report – The stocking report shows lakes, ponds, and rivers that have been stocked with catchable (nine to 12 inch) trout in Colorado.
- CPW Fishing App – Offers great journaling, learning and scouting capabilities, even with no connection.
- Match a Hatch App – Helps fly anglers identify the flies that are hatching in Colorado each month and find an appropriate artificial fly to use to fish.
Check out bait fishing tips below, courtesy of CPW:
Now that you've got all the tips you need for your tackle box, all you need to do is get out on the first weekend of June and enjoy the fishing! Please remember to follow all state park rules and regulations, as well as fishing restrictions.
"Although a license or Habitat Stamp is not required on Free Fishing Weekend, all other rules and regulations will apply. Anglers should consult the Colorado Fishing Brochure for specific regulations and restrictions," recommends CPW.
If you get 'hooked' on fishing over the free weekend, you can get a license at any CPW office or from one of the more than 600 license agents across the state. Licenses can also be purchased online or over the phone by calling 1-800-244-5613. Head over to the CPW website for more information. By purchasing a license, you won't only be enjoying a great day on the water but you help the state's fish population, as well.
"Last year over one million fishing licenses were sold in Colorado. The sale of fishing licenses allows CPW to maintain and conserve fish habitat that promotes better fishing in Colorado," says CPW.
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