Colorado Opens Sales for 13-Month 2026–27 Fishing Licenses; $1.25 Rescue Fee

Colorado Parks and Wildlife opened sales for 13-month fishing licenses that run March 1, 2026 through March 31, 2027, and each license purchase includes a $1.25 fee that supports county-based and local search-and-rescue teams. Outlets covering the announcement named the charge variously as the Colorado Backcountry Search and Rescue (BSAR) fee and as a fee for county-based or local search-and-rescue teams, but all sources agree on the $1.25 amount and its public-safety purpose.

Price points released for the new license window include an adult annual license at $44.87, a senior annual license at $12.96, and a youth license for ages 16–17 at $12.96, while youth aged 15 and under may fish for free. Colorado Parks and Wildlife is also offering a small game and fishing combo for $64.02, and the agency lists annual, daily and multi-day license options in the 2026 Colorado Fishing Brochure for anglers who need other durations or categories.

Anglers can purchase licenses online through CPW’s license portal, by phone at 1-800-244-5613, in person at CPW offices, or from authorized sales agents across the state. Media coverage of the rollout included “click here” links to the purchase page in web copy, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife materials point anglers to the 2026 Colorado Fishing Brochure for the full pricing matrix and regulations not detailed in initial press reports.

CPW said license revenue funds core fishery work: fishery management, state hatcheries and stocking, aquatic conservation and protection of native nongame aquatic species. “By purchasing a fishing license, anglers play a crucial role in funding Colorado's fishery management, supporting hatcheries and fish stocking operations,” said Matt Nicholl, CPW Assistant Director for Aquatic Wildlife, who added that anglers help balance recreation with conservation and protect native, non-game aquatic species.

The agency operates 19 fish hatcheries that produce more than 90 million fish bred, hatched, reared and stocked each year, and CPW officials tied those operations to both recreation and native-species work. “CPW biologists, hatchery staff, and volunteers will soon be spawning fish from wild brood waters to replenish our walleye and saugeye fisheries,” said Josh Nehring, CPW Deputy Assistant Director, who also noted, “Our hatcheries also stock the Front Range waters with trout while water temperatures remain cool for added angling opportunities.” Colorado’s recreational angling economy is substantial as well, with coverage citing a $1.9 billion annual contribution to the state economy.

The state offers fishing across more than 6,000 miles of streams and over 1,300 lakes and reservoirs, with opportunities to target more than 35 species of warm- and cold-water fish. CPW also continues specialty license and pass programs for veterans, people with disabilities, seniors, first responders and income-eligible residents, and Denver-area coverage notes that anglers can find information about fishing locations, stocking reports, upcoming classes, seminars and tournaments through CPW channels and the 2026 brochure.

For anyone planning spring and summer trips, the 13-month license window and the $1.25 rescue fee are immediate planning details to factor into budgets and trip paperwork; consult the 2026 Colorado Fishing Brochure for full pricing, specialty license rules and stocking schedules before heading to the water.