Who can buy a youth license and what it covers

Colorado sells an annual youth fishing license for anglers aged 16 and under. The license lets you fish in Colorado's public waters — lakes, rivers, and streams open to the public — for the full calendar year. You can keep the same daily catch limits as adult anglers and fish any species that is in season.

The license is valid from January 1 through December 31 of the year you purchase it. You do not need a separate license if you turn 17 during that calendar year; your youth license remains good through December 31. Once you turn 17, you will need an adult license to continue fishing legally.

A youth license does not cover fishing on private land without the owner's permission, and it does not cover special waters that require additional stamps or permits — such as certain trophy trout areas or waters managed under different rules. Check the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website or call their office to confirm whether a specific water body has extra requirements.

Key Takeaways

  • Colorado youth licenses are sold for ages 16 and under and are valid for the full calendar year from January 1 through December 31.
  • You can purchase a youth license online through Colorado Parks and Wildlife, by phone, or at authorized retailers across the state.
  • The cost varies slightly depending on how you purchase it, but is significantly less than an adult license.
  • You must carry your license with you while fishing and show it to a Parks and Wildlife officer if asked.
  • Youth licenses do not cover private land or special permit-only waters, so always check local rules before you fish.

Where and how to buy a youth license

You can buy a youth annual license through Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), the state agency that manages fishing licenses. The fastest way is online at the CPW website — you can purchase and print or download your license immediately. You will need to provide your date of birth and a valid mailing address.

You can also buy a license by phone by calling Colorado Parks and Wildlife directly. A staff member will walk you through the purchase and can mail the license to you or provide a temporary number to use while you wait for the physical copy to arrive.

Licensed retailers across Colorado also sell youth licenses in person. These include sporting goods stores, outdoor shops, and some grocery stores and gas stations. Call ahead to confirm the retailer has youth licenses in stock, since smaller locations may not carry them regularly.

Cost and what affects the price

The cost of a Colorado youth annual license is lower than an adult license, but the exact price depends on whether you buy it online, by phone, or at a retailer. Online and phone purchases may include a small processing fee that in-person purchases do not. Retailers may also charge slightly different amounts depending on their location and how they process the sale.

The base license cost does not change during the year — you pay the same price whether you buy in January or November. However, some retailers may offer discounts or promotions at certain times, so it is worth asking when you call.

If you lose your license or it is damaged, you can request a replacement from Colorado Parks and Wildlife. There is typically a small fee for a replacement, less than the cost of a new license.

What you must do before you fish

Once you have your license, you must carry it with you every time you fish. Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers can ask to see your license at any time, and you are required to show it. If you cannot produce it, you may face a citation even if you purchased one legally.

If you bought your license online and printed it, bring the printed copy. If you downloaded it to your phone, you can show the digital version on your screen. If you ordered by mail and have not received the physical license yet, contact Colorado Parks and Wildlife to get a temporary number you can write down and carry with you.

Before you fish any specific water, check the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website or pick up a fishing guide at a retailer to confirm what species are in season and what the daily catch limits are. Rules change by location and time of year, and it is your responsibility to know them.

Fishing seasons and catch limits for youth anglers

Colorado has year-round fishing for some species and seasonal closures for others. Trout fishing is open most of the year but has specific opening and closing dates depending on the water body. Warm-water species like bass, pike, and walleye have their own seasons that typically run from spring through fall.

Daily catch limits — the number of fish you can keep per day — are the same for youth and adult anglers. Most trout waters allow you to keep between 2 and 10 fish per day depending on the specific lake or stream. Bass and other warm-water fish often have higher limits. Some waters are catch-and-release only, meaning you must return all fish to the water.

Size limits also vary by water and species. Some waters require fish to be a certain minimum length before you can keep them. Check the specific water's rules before you fish — the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website has detailed regulations for every public water body in the state.

Private land and special permit waters

Your youth license covers only public waters. If you want to fish on private land, you must have the owner's written permission. Many private landowners in Colorado allow fishing for free or charge a daily or seasonal fee. Always ask before you cross onto private property or fish in a private pond or stream.

Some Colorado waters require additional stamps or permits beyond your base license. These include certain trophy trout areas and waters managed under special regulations. The Colorado Parks and Wildlife website lists which waters have extra requirements. If a water requires a special permit, you will need to purchase it separately before you fish there.

Renewing your license and what happens when you turn 17

Your youth license expires on December 31 of the year you purchase it. If you want to fish in the following year and are still 16 or younger, you will need to buy a new youth license. You can purchase it anytime after November 1 of the previous year, so you can buy your 2025 license in November 2024 if you want to be ready for January 1.

Once you turn 17, you can no longer use a youth license. You will need to purchase an adult annual license to continue fishing legally. Adult licenses cost more than youth licenses but cover the same waters and species. You can buy an adult license at any time; it does not have to be on your birthday.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license if I am fishing with my parent or guardian?

Yes. Every person fishing must have their own valid license, regardless of age or who they are with. Your parent or guardian cannot fish on your behalf, and you cannot fish on theirs. Each person needs their own license.

What if I lose my license while I am out fishing?

Contact Colorado Parks and Wildlife as soon as you can to report it lost. They can issue a replacement license, usually for a small fee. In the meantime, if you are stopped by an officer, explain that you have lost your license and provide your name and date of birth so they can verify your purchase in their system.

Can I use my youth license to fish in other states?

No. A Colorado youth license is valid only in Colorado. If you want to fish in another state, you will need to purchase that state's license. Each state manages its own fishing licenses and regulations.

Are there any free or reduced-cost youth licenses available?

Colorado does not currently offer free youth licenses, but the youth annual license is significantly cheaper than an adult license. Some retailers may run promotions or discounts at certain times of year. Contact Colorado Parks and Wildlife or check their website for current pricing and any available discounts.

What happens if I fish without a license?

Fishing without a valid license is a violation of Colorado law. An officer can issue a citation, which typically results in a fine. The fine amount depends on the specific violation and whether it is your first offense. It is always cheaper and easier to purchase a license before you fish.