Colorado Free Fishing Days Set For June 5-6

May 21, 2004

Colorado residents and state visitors will have the opportunity to fish without a license on June 5-6 as part of the annual "Colorado’s Free Fishing Days."

The free fishing days are set aside each year for the first full weekend in June as part of ongoing efforts by the Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) to introduce people to the sport of fishing.

"We want people to take advantage of this opportunity and get out there with their friends and family and give fishing a try," said Robin Knox, sportfish coordinator for the DOW.

"The more people we can introduce to the recreational opportunities available in the state, the better it will be for Colorado’s natural resources in the future."

During the free fishing days, anglers without licenses will not be ticketed. However, normal bag limits, possession limits and regulations will remain in effect. For more information on state fishing regulations, participants should consult the 2004 Colorado Fishing Brochure, which is available online at http://wildlife.state.co.us/Brochures/, or at DOW and licensed agents offices.

The DOW’s weekly Colorado fishing report has a list of where interested parties can take advantage of the free fishing days. The report contains angling information on bodies of water across the state, a list of recently stocked waters, weekly hotspots, and techniques that have proven successful for the state’s most productive lakes, reservoirs, streams and ponds.

The Colorado fishing report can be found once a week in most Colorado newspapers, and online at http://wildlife.state.co.us/fishing/fishcond.asp. The report can also be heard via telephone by calling (303) 291-7534.

Throughout the rest of the year, anglers who are 16 or older need to purchase a license before casting a fishing line. Fishing licenses can be purchased over the Internet as part of the DOW’s efforts to improve customer service.

An annual resident fishing license costs $20.25, and an annual nonresident license costs $40.25. One-day, five-day and senior annual fishing licenses are also available. Fishing licenses can be purchased at DOW offices, from licensed agents at many sporting goods or supermarket locations, or online at http://wildlife.state.co.us/total_licensing/.