What a Second-Rod Stamp Lets You Do
A second-rod stamp is an add-on to your Colorado fishing license that lets you fish with two rods at the same time instead of one. Without it, state law requires you to fish with a single rod and reel. The stamp costs money on top of your base license fee and is valid for the same period as your license — usually one year from the date of purchase.
You can use both rods simultaneously on any water where two-rod fishing is legal. Some waters and some species have restrictions that override the stamp, so you still need to check the specific regulations for where you plan to fish. The stamp does not change your daily catch limits — those apply per person, not per rod.
Key Takeaways
- A second-rod stamp costs extra and must be purchased with or after your base fishing license; it is not included in the standard license.
- The stamp is valid only in Colorado and only for the license year you purchase it for, matching your license expiration date.
- Some waters and species prohibit two-rod fishing even with the stamp, so you must check the Colorado Parks and Wildlife regulations for your specific location.
- Your daily catch limit applies to you as an angler, not to each rod, so two rods do not double your take-home fish.
- You must have the stamp in your possession while fishing — either printed on your license or as a separate document — or you can be cited for fishing illegally.
How to Buy a Second-Rod Stamp
You purchase a second-rod stamp through the same channels where you buy your Colorado fishing license. The Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) website at cpw.state.co.us sells licenses and stamps online. You can also buy one at most sporting goods retailers, bait and tackle shops, and some Walmart locations throughout the state.
When you buy online, you can add the stamp to your cart at the same time you purchase your license, or you can buy it separately if you already have an active license. Print your license and stamp immediately — you must have them with you to fish legally. If you buy in person at a retailer, the staff will print both your license and stamp on the spot.
The cost varies depending on your license type. A resident annual license with a second-rod stamp costs more than the license alone, but the exact price changes year to year. Non-residents pay a higher rate. Check the CPW website for current pricing before you buy.
Where Two-Rod Fishing Is and Is Not Allowed
Two-rod fishing is permitted on most Colorado public waters, including reservoirs, rivers, and streams open to general fishing. However, specific sections of certain waters prohibit it, and some species have their own rules. For example, some stretches of the South Platte River and other tailwaters have single-rod-only sections to protect spawning fish or manage crowding.
Private land and private water always follow the landowner's rules, regardless of what your stamp says. Some private ranches and clubs prohibit two-rod fishing even though it is legal on public water nearby. Always ask permission and clarify the rules before you fish on private property.
The CPW Fishing Regulations booklet, updated annually and available free on the CPW website, lists all two-rod restrictions by water and by species. Download it or pick up a printed copy before you go. Regulations change year to year, so do not rely on what worked last season.
Catch Limits and Possession Limits With Two Rods
Your daily catch limit is a per-person limit, not a per-rod limit. If the regulation says you can keep five trout per day, that means five trout total — not five per rod. Two rods do not double your take-home fish. The same rule applies to possession limits, which cap how many fish you can have in your possession at any one time.
If you are fishing with a partner who also has a second-rod stamp, each of you has your own separate limit. You cannot pool your catch or fish for each other's limit. Each angler is responsible for tracking their own fish and staying within the law.
What Happens If You Fish With Two Rods Without a Stamp
Fishing with two rods without a valid second-rod stamp is a violation of Colorado fishing law. A Colorado Parks and Wildlife officer can cite you for fishing illegally, and the fine can range from a warning to a significant monetary penalty depending on the circumstances and the officer's judgment.
A citation also goes on your fishing record. Multiple violations can result in the loss of your fishing privileges for a period of time. If you are unsure whether you have the stamp or whether it is valid, ask a CPW officer or call the CPW office before you fish.
Combining the Second-Rod Stamp With Other Licenses and Endorsements
The second-rod stamp works alongside other Colorado fishing licenses and endorsements. If you hold a resident annual license, you can add the second-rod stamp to it. If you have a short-term license — such as a five-day or one-day license — you can buy a second-rod stamp for that period as well, though the cost-to-fishing-time ratio may not make sense for very short trips.
You can also combine the second-rod stamp with other endorsements, such as the Colorado Parks and Wildlife conservation stamp, which supports habitat work. Each endorsement is separate and adds to your total cost. Buy only the endorsements that match the water and species you plan to fish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a second-rod stamp on a one-day license?
Yes. You can buy a one-day license and add a second-rod stamp for that same day. The stamp will be valid only for that single day and will expire when your one-day license expires. The cost is lower than an annual stamp, but you pay a proportional price for the shorter period.
Do I need a second-rod stamp if I am fishing for species other than trout?
Yes. The second-rod stamp applies to all species in Colorado. Whether you are fishing for trout, walleye, pike, or panfish, you need the stamp to use two rods legally. Some species and some waters have their own restrictions on two-rod fishing, so check the regulations for your target species and location.
What if my second-rod stamp gets lost or damaged?
Contact Colorado Parks and Wildlife to request a replacement. You will likely need to provide proof of purchase or your license number. There may be a small fee for a replacement, but CPW can usually issue one quickly. In the meantime, fish with one rod only to stay legal.
Can I fish with two rods on a private pond if I have permission from the owner?
The landowner's rules override state law on private property. If the owner says two-rod fishing is okay, you can do it — but you still need a valid Colorado fishing license. The second-rod stamp is not required on private water if the owner prohibits it, but you also cannot fish with two rods there without the owner's explicit consent.
Does the second-rod stamp cost the same every year?
No. Colorado Parks and Wildlife adjusts license and stamp prices periodically. Check the CPW website or call their office before you buy to confirm the current price for your license type and the year you are purchasing.