What an Additional-Day License Covers
Colorado's additional-day fishing license lets you fish for one extra day beyond your regular annual or multi-day license. It is a single-day permit that costs less than buying a full annual license and works alongside whatever license you already hold. You can purchase one whenever you need an extra day on the water — there is no requirement to buy them in advance or in any particular order.
The additional-day license covers the same species and waters as your base license. If you hold an annual resident license, an additional day covers all the same trout, walleye, pike, and panfish waters. The permit does not upgrade your license type or give you access to restricted areas you could not already fish.
This option exists because many anglers fish sporadically or take a trip that runs longer than they planned. Rather than buy a full annual license for occasional use, you can purchase single days as you need them. Colorado Parks and Wildlife tracks your purchases, so you do not need to carry separate paperwork for each day.
Key Takeaways
- An additional-day license costs significantly less than an annual license and covers one calendar day of fishing under your existing license type.
- You can purchase additional days online through Colorado Parks and Wildlife, at sporting goods retailers, or at Parks and Wildlife offices.
- The license is valid only for the calendar day you purchase it for — it does not carry over to the next day or extend your annual license.
- Resident and non-resident licenses each have their own additional-day rate, and the cost does not change based on the species you plan to fish.
Where to Buy an Additional-Day License
You can purchase an additional-day license through three main channels. The Colorado Parks and Wildlife website (cpw.state.co.us) sells them online with immediate delivery to your email — you print the license or show it on your phone. This is the fastest option if you decide to fish on short notice.
Sporting goods retailers across Colorado — including Bass Pro Shops, Cabela's, and local fly shops — sell additional-day licenses at the counter. Staff can print it on the spot, and you walk out with a physical copy. Call ahead if you want to confirm a specific location has them in stock, though most do.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife offices in Denver and regional locations also sell additional-day licenses during business hours. This option is useful if you are already visiting an office for another reason, but it is slower than online or retail purchase if you are in a hurry.
Cost and Resident vs. Non-Resident Rates
The cost of an additional-day license varies by residency status. Resident rates are lower than non-resident rates, reflecting Colorado's pricing structure across all license types. The exact dollar amount changes periodically, so checking the current price on the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website before you purchase ensures you have the right figure.
Non-residents pay a higher per-day rate than residents. If you live outside Colorado and fish the state occasionally, additional-day licenses can still be more economical than an annual non-resident license if you fish fewer than a handful of days per year. Compare the cost of several additional days against a full annual license to see which makes sense for your situation.
The additional-day rate is the same regardless of which species you plan to target or which water you fish. You do not pay extra for trout-only areas or pay less for panfish — the daily rate is flat.
How to Use Your Additional-Day License
Your additional-day license is valid only for the calendar day you purchase it for. If you buy a license for Tuesday, you can fish all day Tuesday but cannot fish Wednesday with the same license. You must purchase a separate additional day for Wednesday if you want to fish that day.
Carry your license with you on the water — either the printed copy or a digital image on your phone. Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers check licenses during routine patrols, and you must be able to show it immediately. A lost or forgotten license can result in a citation, so keep it accessible.
The additional-day license does not extend or renew an annual license. If your annual license expires on December 31, an additional day purchased on December 30 covers only December 30 — it does not give you fishing rights on January 1. You would need a new annual license or another additional day for January 1.
When an Additional-Day License Makes Sense
An additional-day license is most useful if you fish infrequently or take a trip that lasts longer than you expected. If you fish three or four days per year, buying additional days as you go costs less than an annual license. If you fish more than a handful of days per year, an annual license becomes the better value.
Some anglers use additional days to test a new water or species before committing to an annual license. This approach lets you explore without the upfront cost of a full-year permit. Others purchase additional days when they travel to Colorado for a specific trip and do not plan to fish again that year.
Non-residents visiting Colorado for a week-long trip might buy five or six additional-day licenses rather than a week-long license, depending on which option costs less. Check both prices before you decide — the break-even point varies by year and residency status.
Regulations That Apply to Your Additional-Day License
An additional-day license does not exempt you from any of Colorado's fishing regulations. Bag limits, size restrictions, gear rules, and seasonal closures all apply exactly as they would with an annual license. The license type does not change what you are allowed to keep or how you are allowed to fish.
You must still follow water-specific rules — some streams are catch-and-release only, some have special equipment restrictions, and some close on certain dates. Check the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website or the current fishing brochure for the specific water you plan to fish before you go.
If you fish multiple days in a row, you need a separate additional-day license for each day. There is no discount for buying multiple days at once, and you cannot "stack" licenses to cover a longer period. Each day requires its own purchase and its own license document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an additional-day license if I do not have an annual license?
Yes. An additional-day license is a standalone permit — you do not need to hold an annual license to purchase or use one. It works as a complete license for that single day, covering all the same waters and species as an annual license of the same type (resident or non-resident).
What if I buy an additional-day license but do not use it?
Colorado Parks and Wildlife does not issue refunds for unused additional-day licenses. Once purchased, the license is tied to that specific calendar day. If you cannot fish on the day you bought it for, the license expires at the end of that day and cannot be transferred or rescheduled.
Do I need to register my additional-day license or show ID when I buy it?
No registration is required. You purchase the license, receive it immediately (online or in print), and can fish that day. You do not need to provide personal information beyond what is required for the transaction itself. Carry your license and a valid ID on the water in case an officer asks to see both.
Can I buy an additional-day license for someone else?
Yes, you can purchase an additional-day license as a gift or for a family member. The license is valid for whoever fishes under it on that day. If you buy it online, you can have it emailed to the person who will use it, or print it and give them the copy.
Does an additional-day license cover ice fishing?
Yes. An additional-day license covers all legal fishing methods in Colorado, including ice fishing during the open season. The license type and regulations remain the same — you follow the same bag limits and gear rules whether you fish open water or through ice.