Colorado offers disabled veterans a free lifetime fishing license

Colorado Parks and Wildlife issues a disabled veteran lifetime fishing license at no cost to veterans with a service-connected disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Once issued, the license never expires and requires no renewal. You fish in Colorado's public waters — lakes, rivers, and reservoirs — under the same regulations as any other angler, but you pay nothing for the license itself.

The license covers freshwater fishing only. If you plan to fish for walleye, pike, trout, bass, or panfish in Colorado's managed waters, this license covers you. You still need to follow Colorado's catch limits, season dates, and gear restrictions for each species and location, but the license cost is waived entirely.

Key Takeaways

  • Disabled veterans with a VA service-connected disability rating can receive a free lifetime fishing license from Colorado Parks and Wildlife with no expiration date.
  • You must provide your VA disability rating letter or a copy of your VA award letter showing your current disability percentage to prove your status.
  • Apply in person at any Colorado Parks and Wildlife office or by mail, and processing typically takes one to two weeks.
  • The license covers freshwater fishing in Colorado but does not exempt you from catch limits, season dates, or other fishing regulations specific to each species and water body.

Who qualifies for the disabled veteran license

You must be a veteran with a service-connected disability rating issued by the VA. This means the VA has determined that your disability is connected to your military service and has assigned you a rating percentage — typically 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 100%. Colorado does not require a minimum rating; any service-connected disability rating qualifies you.

You must also be a Colorado resident or have established residency in the state. Proof of residency typically means a Colorado driver's license, a utility bill, or a lease agreement showing your current address. Non-residents with a service-connected disability rating should contact Colorado Parks and Wildlife directly to ask whether they are covered under any reciprocal agreements with their home state.

Documents you need to bring or mail

Bring your VA disability rating letter or your most recent VA award letter. This document shows your service-connected disability rating and is issued by the VA when your rating is approved or reviewed. If you have lost the original, you can download a copy from VA.gov by logging into your VA account, or you can call the VA at 1-800-827-1000 and request a replacement letter.

You will also need a valid form of identification — your Colorado driver's license, military ID, or passport. If you are applying by mail, include a photocopy of both your VA letter and your ID. Do not send originals; Colorado Parks and Wildlife will not return them.

How to apply in person or by mail

The fastest route is to visit any Colorado Parks and Wildlife office in person. Bring your VA disability rating letter and your ID. Staff will verify your information, issue your license on the spot, and you can begin fishing immediately. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours. Find the office nearest you on the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website under "Locations."

If you cannot visit in person, mail your application to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Licensing Section, 303 W. Chesapeake Ave., Colorado Springs, CO 80951. Include a photocopy of your VA disability rating letter, a photocopy of your ID, and a completed Disabled Veteran License Application Form (available on the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website). Processing by mail typically takes one to two weeks. Include a return address so Colorado Parks and Wildlife can mail your license to you.

What the license covers and does not cover

Your disabled veteran lifetime fishing license covers freshwater fishing in Colorado. You can fish for trout, bass, walleye, pike, panfish, and other freshwater species in public waters managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The license is valid for life and never expires, so you will not need to renew it.

The license does not cover saltwater fishing, ice fishing on private property, or fishing on private land without the owner's permission. It also does not exempt you from Colorado's fishing regulations. You must still follow catch limits (the number and size of fish you can keep), season dates (when fishing is open or closed for each species), and gear restrictions (what types of rods, lines, and bait are allowed). These rules vary by location and species, so check the current Colorado fishing regulations before you go.

Fishing seasons and regulations in Colorado

Colorado's fishing seasons vary by species and water body. Trout season is generally year-round in many lakes and rivers, but some waters have specific opening and closing dates. Bass season typically runs from June through March. Pike and walleye seasons also vary. You can find the exact dates and catch limits for any specific lake or river on the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website under "Fishing" and then "Regulations."

Catch limits in Colorado range from zero (no harvest allowed) to several fish per day, depending on the species and the specific water body. Some waters are "catch and release only," meaning you must return all fish to the water. Others allow you to keep a certain number of fish of a certain size. Always check the regulations for the specific location where you plan to fish before you go. Violating catch limits or season dates can result in fines even with a valid license.

Where disabled veterans can fish in Colorado

Colorado Parks and Wildlife manages hundreds of lakes, reservoirs, and river sections open to public fishing. Popular destinations for disabled veterans include Horsetooth Reservoir near Fort Collins, Cherry Creek Reservoir near Denver, and Blue Mesa Reservoir in the Gunnison area. Many of these waters have accessible parking, paved paths, and fishing platforms designed for anglers with mobility challenges.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife also maintains a list of accessible fishing areas on its website, with details on parking, restroom facilities, and whether the area is suitable for wheelchairs or walkers. Some areas offer accessible boat ramps or fishing docks. Contact your local Colorado Parks and Wildlife office or call 303-297-1192 to ask about accessible fishing near your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to renew my disabled veteran lifetime fishing license?

No. Once issued, your disabled veteran lifetime fishing license never expires and requires no renewal. You will not receive a renewal notice, and you do not need to pay any fee to keep it active. The license is valid for your entire life.

What if my VA disability rating changes or is reduced?

Your disabled veteran lifetime fishing license remains valid even if your VA rating changes. Colorado does not re-verify your disability status after the license is issued, so a change in your rating will not affect your license.

Can I fish in other states with my Colorado disabled veteran license?

No. Your Colorado license is valid only in Colorado. If you fish in another state, you will need to obtain that state's fishing license. Many states offer similar disabled veteran licenses; contact the fish and wildlife agency in the state where you plan to fish to learn about their programs.

What if I lose my license card?

Contact Colorado Parks and Wildlife at 303-297-1192 or visit any Colorado Parks and Wildlife office to request a replacement. Bring your ID. Replacement licenses are issued at no cost and typically take one to two weeks if you apply by mail.

Can I fish on private land with my disabled veteran license?

No. Your license covers fishing on public waters only. To fish on private land, you must have written permission from the landowner. Some private ranches and clubs allow fishing for a fee; contact them directly to ask about their rules and whether your disabled veteran license affects the cost.