The fish are starting to bite at waters throughout Colorado. To give everyone an opportunity to get out and get some hits, Colorado Parks and Wildlife is inviting anglers of all ages to participate in its annual Free Fishing Weekend on Saturday and Sunday.
Each year, the agency designates the first weekend in June as the only two-day period when anglers are not required to have a fishing license. For the rest of the year, a fishing license is required for anyone age 16 and older.
“The free fishing weekend is a great way to get outside with family and friends and take advantage of Colorado’s extensive opportunities to fish for a myriad of cold- and warm-water fish species without having to worry about possessing a license,” said Greg Gerlich, aquatic section manager for Colorado Parks and Wildlife. “This is the perfect opportunity for anglers to introduce a friend, family member and, especially, children to one of America’s favorite activities.
“If people are wondering where to go to fish, there are an abundance of publicly accessible waters across the state,” Gerlich said. “But many people need look no further than our Colorado state parks.”
A recent survey of resident and nonresident anglers revealed a high level of satisfaction with fishing experiences in Colorado. Anglers said they especially like to pursue the numerous trout species available in state waters.
The majority of fish caught in Colorado are stocked by the agency, and each year, more than 3 million catchable-sized trout and 14 million trout fingerlings are stocked into the more than 2,000 lakes, ponds and reservoirs around the state.
While fishing licenses are not required during free fishing weekend, all other regulations remain in effect. Anglers should consult the 2013 Colorado Fishing brochure for specific regulations and restrictions for the waters where they’ll be fishing.
Fishing licenses can be purchased at any Colorado Parks and Wildlife office, more than 600 license agents across the state and on the Division of Wildlife website. Anglers also can purchase a fishing license over the phone and receive a temporary authorization number allowing them to fish immediately by calling (800) 244-5613.
ON THE NET
Visit http://wildlife.state.co.us/Fishing to:
Purchase a fishing license online.
Get information about fishing regulations.
Access an interactive version of the Colorado Fishing brochure with links to maps and videos for beginning to experienced anglers.
View a weekly fishing report and a fishing atlas about places to fish.
