A five-day license lets you fish Colorado waters for five consecutive calendar days without buying a full annual permit
Colorado's five-day fishing license is a short-term option designed for visitors or locals who want to fish for a limited stretch of time. You purchase it for five consecutive calendar days — meaning if you buy one on a Wednesday, it runs through the following Sunday. The license covers both cold-water species (trout, walleye, pike) and warm-water species (bass, catfish, panfish) on the same permit, so you don't need separate licenses for different fish types.
The five-day license costs less than a full annual resident license but more than a one-day license. Pricing varies slightly by year, so check the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website for the current rate before you purchase. You can buy one at any Colorado Parks and Wildlife office, through their online system, or at authorized vendors like sporting goods stores and fly shops across the state.
Key Takeaways
- A five-day license covers five consecutive calendar days and includes both cold-water and warm-water fishing on a single permit.
- You can purchase a five-day license online through Colorado Parks and Wildlife, at their offices, or at authorized retail vendors statewide.
- The license does not cover private land without the landowner's permission, and you still must follow all state size, creel, and seasonal limits for each species.
- Non-residents and residents pay the same price for a five-day license, making it a practical option for short trips regardless of where you live.
- You must carry your license with you while fishing and be able to show it to a Colorado Parks and Wildlife officer on request.
Who Can Buy a Five-Day License
Anyone — resident or non-resident — can purchase a five-day license. Colorado does not distinguish between in-state and out-of-state anglers for this short-term permit. You do not need to be a Colorado resident, own property in the state, or meet any other residency requirement.
The only restriction is age: children under 16 do not need a license to fish in Colorado, but anyone 16 and older must have one. If you are 16 or older and plan to fish any Colorado water open to the public, a five-day license covers you for that period.
Where to Buy and How to Activate
You can purchase a five-day license three ways. The fastest is online through the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website, where you can buy and print or download your license immediately. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, and address, then pay by credit or debit card. Your license is valid as soon as the transaction completes.
You can also buy in person at any Colorado Parks and Wildlife office during business hours. These offices are located in Denver, Fort Collins, Grand Junction, Montrose, and Durango, among other locations. Call ahead to confirm hours, as they vary by season and location.
A third option is to purchase at an authorized vendor — sporting goods stores, fly shops, and some grocery stores across Colorado sell licenses. Not every store carries them, so call ahead if you are unsure. Vendors can issue your license on the spot, though some may require you to complete a form and wait a few minutes for processing.
What the License Covers and What It Does Not
A five-day license covers fishing in all public Colorado waters — reservoirs, rivers, streams, and lakes open to public access. It includes both cold-water species (rainbow trout, brown trout, cutthroat trout, lake trout, walleye, northern pike) and warm-water species (largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, sunfish, crappie, and others). You do not need separate licenses or stamps for different species.
The license does not cover private land. If you want to fish on private property, you must have the landowner's written permission in addition to your license. It also does not cover special waters with their own rules — some Colorado waters require additional stamps or have different regulations. Check the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website or call their office to confirm whether the specific water you plan to fish has extra requirements.
Your license also does not override state fishing regulations. You must still follow all size limits, creel limits (the number of fish you can keep per day), and seasonal closures for each species. These rules vary by water and by species, so review the current regulations for the specific location and fish type before you go.
Seasons and Timing Considerations
Colorado's fishing season runs year-round on most waters, but some streams and lakes close seasonally or have restricted seasons for certain species. Trout season is generally open year-round on major rivers and reservoirs, but some high-altitude streams close in winter. Warm-water species like bass and catfish are available year-round on most reservoirs and lower-elevation waters, though spring and fall typically offer the best conditions.
Before you buy your five-day license, check the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website to confirm that the water you plan to fish is open during your intended dates. Some tailwaters below dams have special regulations and different seasons than the main reservoir. If you are planning a trip to a specific location, call the local Colorado Parks and Wildlife office or the water's management office to ask about current conditions and whether the fishery is open.
Regulations You Must Follow
Colorado enforces strict size and creel limits for each species. For example, on many waters you can keep five trout per day with a minimum size of 10 inches, but some streams allow only two trout or have different size requirements. Bass limits, catfish limits, and panfish limits also vary by water. The Colorado Parks and Wildlife website publishes a detailed regulation guide by water and species — download it or request a printed copy before you fish.
You must carry your five-day license with you at all times while fishing and show it to a Colorado Parks and Wildlife officer if asked. Fishing without a valid license or violating size and creel limits can result in fines and loss of fishing privileges. Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers patrol popular fishing areas regularly, especially on weekends and during peak seasons.
Comparing the Five-Day License to Other Options
Colorado offers several license options depending on how long you plan to fish. A one-day license costs less but covers only one calendar day. A five-day license is better value if you plan to fish more than once during your trip. An annual resident license covers the full calendar year and is the cheapest option per day if you fish regularly, but it costs more upfront. An annual non-resident license is available but costs significantly more than the five-day option.
For a weekend trip or a short vacation, the five-day license usually makes the most sense. It gives you flexibility to fish on multiple days without committing to a full year, and it costs less than buying five separate one-day licenses. If you are a Colorado resident who fishes several times a year, an annual license eventually becomes cheaper, but the five-day option is ideal for testing whether you enjoy fishing a particular water before investing in a longer-term permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I start my five-day license on a specific date, or does it have to start the day I buy it?
Your five-day license begins on the date you purchase it and runs for five consecutive calendar days. You cannot backdate it or delay the start date. If you buy it on a Wednesday, it covers Wednesday through Sunday. Plan your purchase for the day you plan to fish.
Do I need a separate license for each person in my group?
Yes. Every person 16 and older must have their own license. Children under 16 do not need a license. If you are fishing with three other adults, each of you needs to purchase a five-day license.
What happens if I lose my license while I'm fishing?
Contact the Colorado Parks and Wildlife office or the vendor where you purchased it and request a replacement. If you bought it online, you can often reprint it immediately. If you bought it in person, you may need to repurchase it. Keep a photo or screenshot of your license on your phone as a backup.
Can I use my five-day license on private land if the owner gives me permission?
Yes. Your license is valid on private land as long as you have the landowner's written permission. The license itself does not grant access — permission from the owner does. Always confirm permission in writing before you fish.
Are there any waters in Colorado where a five-day license is not valid?
A five-day license is valid on all public Colorado waters, but some waters have additional requirements or special regulations. A few private reservoirs and club waters do not allow public fishing at all. Check the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website for the specific water you plan to fish to confirm it is open to the public and whether any extra stamps or permits are needed.