6,000+
miles of streams
Colorado Parks and Wildlife says licensed fishing is available on more than 6,000 miles of streams statewide.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife, FishingAccess information current in 2026Hooked on Family Outdoors
Colorado Fishing Statistics
A current, source-linked reference for the numbers that shape fishing in Colorado, from public water access to license rules and trout conditions.
Last updated September 9, 2026
The Big Picture
More water, more ways to get out.
Colorado fishing is big enough to offer variety and close enough to make a family day on the water feel attainable. These figures are collected from public agencies and linked to the original source, so writers, anglers and outdoor businesses can check the context for themselves.
1,300+
lakes and reservoirs
Colorado Parks and Wildlife lists more than 1,300 lakes and reservoirs where anglers can fish.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife, FishingAccess information current in 202635+
fish species
Colorado Parks and Wildlife identifies more than 35 warm-water and cold-water species available to anglers in Colorado.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife, FishingAccess information current in 2026900,000+
fishing licenses sold each year
Colorado Parks and Wildlife reports that the state sells more than 900,000 fishing licenses annually.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Fly FishingAnnual figure current in 202613
months of annual license validity
An annual Colorado fishing license runs from March 1 through March 31 of the following year.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife, FishingLicense period current in 2026Free
for anglers age 15 and under
Colorado Parks and Wildlife says youth age 15 and under can fish without a license.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife, FishingLicense rule current in 202671°F
temperature where trout become stressed
Colorado Parks and Wildlife notes that cold-water fish are less likely to recover after catch and release at water temperatures of 71°F or higher.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife, FishingGuidance current in 202639.9M
people who fished in the U.S.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service found that 39.9 million people age 16 and older fished in 2022.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2022 National Survey2022 survey dataReading The Numbers
Plan for the water you have.
Wide access does not mean every water is right for every day. Check local regulations, water conditions and closures before heading out. During warm stretches, give trout extra care and choose cooler water or another species when conditions call for it.
Plan a First Family Fishing TripSources And Method
Built to be cited.
This page uses publicly available information from Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Each statistic links to the source that supports it. Counts and rules can change, so this reference is reviewed regularly and should be read alongside current local regulations.
Suggested citation: Hooked on Family Outdoors, “Colorado Fishing Statistics: Access, Licenses and Conditions,” updated September 9, 2026, https://hookedonfamilyoutdoors.com/colorado-fishing-statistics.
Check Current Colorado Fishing Rules