A Colorado 1-day fishing license costs $18.07 for residents and $21.90 for nonresidents in 2026. Valid only on the specific calendar date selected at purchase, the license covers all public waters across Colorado subject to local regulations. Anglers age 16 or older require a valid license, while youth age 15 and under (residents and nonresidents) fish for free. Before casting, anglers must carry their physical license, approved digital credential, or Temporary Authorization Number (TAN).
Quick Answer & Total Cost Breakdown
- Resident 1-Day Cost: $18.07 (Each additional day: $9.13).
- Nonresident 1-Day Cost: $21.90 (Each additional day: $9.13).
- Multi-Day Total (2 Days): Resident = $27.20 | Nonresident = $31.03 (First 2 daily licenses are exempt from the Habitat Stamp).
- Multi-Day Total (3 Days): Resident = $49.09 | Nonresident = $52.92 (Includes required $12.76 Habitat Stamp assessed on the 3rd daily license for anglers age 18–64).
Key Takeaways
- The current resident 1-day fishing license fee is $18.07; the nonresident fee is $21.90.
- Each additional fishing day costs $9.13 for both residents and nonresidents.
- Youth age 15 and under (both resident and nonresident) fish free without a license.
- The first two daily licenses are exempt from the Habitat Stamp. For anglers age 18 through 64, the $12.76 stamp is automatically assessed with the third qualifying daily license.
- A 1-day license does not override closures, private-property restrictions, bag limits, gear rules, or special regulations for a particular lake, river, or reservoir.
What’s in This Article
- How Much Is a 1-Day Fishing License in Colorado?
- Cost of the 1-Day Fishing License for Residents
- Cost of the 1-Day Fishing License for Nonresidents
- Break-Even Decision Framework: When to Upgrade
- Duration and Validity of the 1-Day License
- Who Needs a 1-Day Fishing License?
- Requirements for Purchasing a 1-Day Fishing License
- Temporary Authorization Number for Fishing
- Fishing Regulations for One-Day License Holders
- How to Purchase a 1-Day Fishing License
- Other Short-Term and Annual License Options
- Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Is a 1-Day Fishing License in Colorado?
The Colorado Parks and Wildlife fishing fee table lists a 1-day fishing license at $18.07 for residents and $21.90 for nonresidents. An additional-day fishing license costs $9.13 for either residency class.
| License Type | Resident Fee | Nonresident Fee |
|---|---|---|
| 1-day fishing license | $18.07 | $21.90 |
| Additional-day fishing license | $9.13 | $9.13 |
| Second-rod stamp | $14.24 | $14.24 |
The listed license fees include a mandatory $1.25 search-and-rescue fee and a $1.50 Wildlife Education Fund fee. The license authorizes fishing strictly on the calendar date printed on it, and all statewide and water-specific harvest rules apply.
Note: These fees were verified against Colorado Parks and Wildlife regulations for 2026. Fees are subject to annual adjustments by CPW, so always confirm the final total in CPWShop prior to checkout.
Cost of the 1-Day Fishing License for Residents
A Colorado resident pays $18.07 for a 1-day fishing license. While convenient for a spontaneous single-day outing, it is not always the most economical choice for residents depending on age and trip frequency.
Colorado residents age 16 or 17 qualify for a youth annual fishing license at $12.96. Similarly, residents age 64 or older can purchase a senior annual fishing license for $12.96. Both annual options are cheaper than purchasing a single $18.07 1-day license. Adult residents age 18 through 63 should compare the $18.07 daily fee against the $44.87 adult annual license if planning three or more trips per year.
One-day and multi-day licenses can generally be purchased up to 60 days in advance. You do not pay the Habitat Stamp on your first two daily license purchases. For anglers age 18 through 64, the $12.76 Habitat Stamp is assessed when a third qualifying daily license is purchased during the same license year.
Pro Tip: Resident anglers age 16–17 or 64 and older should buy the $12.96 annual license instead of a $18.07 1-day license. You save money immediately and get a full year of fishing access.
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Cost of the 1-Day Fishing License for Nonresidents
A nonresident 1-day fishing license costs $21.90. This option ideal for out-of-state visitors planning a single day of fishing during a Colorado vacation.
Each additional consecutive fishing day costs $9.13. Nonresidents planning multi-day trips should compare total daily costs against the $41.04 five-day license or the $124.01 annual license.
Nonresident License Fee Overview
- 1-day nonresident license: $21.90.
- Additional-day license: $9.13 for each added day.
- Five-day nonresident license: $41.04.
- Annual nonresident license: $124.01.
- Second-rod stamp: $14.24.
- Habitat Stamp: Exempt on the first two daily licenses; assessed ($12.76) on the third daily purchase for ages 18–64.
Purchase Locations Available
The fastest way to purchase is via the official CPWShop online license portal. Licenses are also available by phone at 1-800-244-5613, at local CPW offices, or through authorized retail agents (such as Walmart, local fly shops, and sporting goods stores).
Break-Even Decision Framework: When to Upgrade
Because additional daily licenses cost $9.13 each and the $12.76 Habitat Stamp triggers on the 3rd daily purchase, it is vital to evaluate cumulative costs before purchasing separate daily licenses.
| Fishing Duration | Resident Cumulative Cost | Nonresident Cumulative Cost | Best License Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Day | $18.07 | $21.90 | Buy 1-Day License |
| 2 Days | $27.20 | $31.03 | Buy 1-Day + 1 Additional Day |
| 3 Days (Stamp added) | $49.09 | $52.92 | Resident: Buy Annual ($44.87) Nonresident: Buy 5-Day License ($41.04) |
| 4–5 Days | $58.22 – $67.35 | $41.04 (5-Day product) | Resident: Buy Annual License Nonresident: Buy 5-Day License |
Duration and Validity of the 1-Day License
A 1-day fishing license is valid for the single calendar date designated during purchase (from 12:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.). Verify the date carefully before completing payment, as licenses are non-transferable.
If purchasing online within 15 days of your planned fishing date, CPW does not mail a physical paper license. Instead, your email confirmation contains a Temporary Authorization Number (TAN), which serves as legal proof of licensing while on the water.
| Feature | Current Rule | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| License duration | One selected calendar day | Double-check dates prior to checkout |
| Advance purchase window | Up to 60 days in advance | Buy early to ensure system verification |
| TAN validity | 45 days from purchase date | Save TAN/email confirmation offline |
| Age requirement | Required for ages 16+ | Youth 15 & under fish free |
| Habitat Stamp | First two daily licenses exempt | Expect $12.76 fee added on 3rd purchase |
Who Needs a 1-Day Fishing License?
A valid fishing license is mandatory for anyone age 16 or older who fishes in Colorado public waters, with specific rules depending on age and residency:
- Youth age 15 and under (Residents & Nonresidents): No license required. They can fish for free and maintain a full legal bag and possession limit.
- Colorado residents age 16–17: License required. The $12.96 youth annual license is cheaper than a 1-day license.
- Colorado residents age 18–63: Valid daily or annual fishing license required.
- Colorado residents age 64 or older: License required. Senior annual license is $12.96.
- Nonresidents age 16 or older: Valid nonresident fishing license required.
Colorado Free Fishing Weekend Exception: Each year on the first full weekend of June, Colorado Parks and Wildlife hosts Free Fishing Weekend. During these two days, residents and nonresidents of all ages can fish without a license. All standard bag limits, size restrictions, and gear rules still apply.
Requirements for Purchasing a 1-Day Fishing License
Purchasing a license requires valid identification, your Social Security Number (for U.S. residents age 12+ per federal compliance rules), and proof of residency if claiming resident rates.
Identification Needed
Acceptable identification includes a valid driver’s license, state ID card, U.S. passport, military ID, or tribal identification card. Review CPW’s acceptable identification guidelines for full details.
How Colorado Resident Status Is Determined
To qualify for resident pricing, CPW requires a physical primary residence in Colorado for at least 6 consecutive months immediately prior to license purchase, alongside a valid Colorado driver’s license or state ID issued at least 6 months prior. Property ownership alone does not qualify a visitor for resident status. Full rules are detailed on the CPW residency requirements page.
Temporary Authorization Number (TAN) for Fishing
Upon completing an online or phone license purchase, CPW issues a Temporary Authorization Number (TAN). This confirmation code serves as legal authorization to fish immediately before your paper license arrives.
A TAN is valid for 45 days from the purchase transaction date. Anglers can also display resident digital licenses via the myColorado mobile app. Nonresidents should save a screenshot or print copy of their confirmation email containing the TAN, as cellular service can be unreliable in mountain areas.
A Colorado TAN remains valid for 45 days after purchase, but the license authorizes fishing strictly on the calendar date printed on the receipt.
Fishing Regulations for One-Day License Holders
Holding a 1-day fishing license requires compliance with all statewide regulations and body-of-water specific restrictions. Always consult the official CPW fishing regulation brochure before head out.
- Bag & Possession Limits: Limits vary by species (e.g., standard statewide trout limit is 4 fish).
- Flies and Lures Only: Many prime trout streams enforce artificial flies and lures regulations with mandatory barbless hooks.
- Second Rod Stamp: Fishing with two rods requires a $14.24 second-rod stamp. This stamp does not double your daily bag limit.
- State Wildlife Area (SWA) Access: Anyone age 18–64 entering a designated SWA or State Trust Land must hold a valid fishing license or State Wildlife Area pass.
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How to Purchase a 1-Day Fishing License
- Select Your Date: Confirm your fishing calendar date (licenses are non-refundable and valid only for the date chosen).
- Gather ID & Information: Have your driver’s license, SSN, and CPW CID number (if a returning customer) ready.
- Access Official Sales Channels: Buy online via CPWShop.com, call 1-800-244-5613, or visit an authorized retail agent.
- Verify Product Selection: Choose Resident or Nonresident 1-Day Fishing.
- Review Total Fees: Confirm whether added stamps (Second-Rod or Habitat Stamp) apply.
- Store Legal Proof: Save the TAN confirmation or digital credential to your phone prior to entering areas without cellular service.
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Additional Options for Short-Term Fishing Licenses
| Option | Current Fee | Best Fit |
|---|---|---|
| Resident 1-day | $18.07 | Single day outing for adult residents |
| Nonresident 1-day | $21.90 | Single day outing for visitors |
| Additional day | $9.13 | Adding a 2nd consecutive day |
| Nonresident 5-day | $41.04 | Out-of-state vacationers fishing 3–5 days |
| Resident adult annual | $44.87 | Residents fishing 3 or more times per year |
| Resident youth annual | $12.96 | Colorado residents age 16–17 |
| Resident senior annual | $12.96 | Colorado residents age 64+ |
| Nonresident annual | $124.01 | Frequent out-of-state visitors |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fish with a 1-day license at any location in Colorado?
You can fish most public waters in Colorado, but a 1-day license does not grant entry across private land or cover separate state park entry fees. Always check for local closures, gear restrictions, and water-specific bag limits.
Is a Wildlife Habitat Stamp included in the license price?
No. However, your first two 1-day or additional-day licenses are exempt. For anglers age 18 through 64, the $12.76 Habitat Stamp is automatically added upon purchasing a third daily license during the license year.
Are there age restrictions for a Colorado 1-day fishing license?
Youth age 15 and under (both resident and nonresident) can fish for free without a license. Anyone age 16 or older requires a valid fishing license.
What should I do if I lose my 1-day fishing license?
Log into your CPWShop.com account to retrieve your Temporary Authorization Number (TAN) or reprint your receipt. You may also contact CPW customer support at 1-800-244-5613.
Can I use a 1-day license for ice fishing in Colorado?
Yes. A valid 1-day license covers ice fishing on the designated date. If using a second line or tip-up, you must purchase a $14.24 second-rod stamp.
How far in advance can I buy a Colorado 1-day fishing license?
You can purchase 1-day and multi-day licenses up to 60 days in advance of your intended fishing date through CPWShop.
Does a 1-day license let me fish with two rods?
No. Fishing with two rods requires a separate second-rod stamp ($14.24). The stamp does not increase your legal bag limit.
Conclusion
In 2026, a Colorado 1-day fishing license costs $18.07 for residents and $21.90 for nonresidents. If you plan to fish for 3 or more days, evaluate annual or 5-day options to avoid paying extra when the Habitat Stamp triggers on your third daily license. Always save your TAN or digital credential offline before heading out into mountain areas with limited cell service.
