2024 Colorado Fishing Regulations: Special Conditions and Restrictions
Fishing in Colorado is a beloved activity, but it’s important to follow the state’s regulations to protect aquatic ecosystems and ensure sustainability. These regulations are designed to safeguard threatened, endangered, and nongame species, promote safe and ethical fishing practices, and maintain healthy fish populations for future generations.
If you catch any fish that needs to be released, it must be returned to the water alive and into the same body of water from which it was caught. Additionally, certain fishing methods like chumming, using poisons, or explosives are strictly prohibited to maintain the health of the environment.
1. Threatened, Endangered, and Nongame Species
To protect Colorado's diverse aquatic wildlife, some species are off-limits. If you catch any of the following, you must immediately release them back into the water.
Fish:
Several fish species are protected in Colorado due to their endangered or threatened status. These include the Arkansas darter, bluehead sucker, bonytail chub, Colorado pikeminnow, greenback cutthroat trout, and humpback chub, among others. All of these species play crucial roles in their ecosystems and require special protection.
Amphibians:
Colorado's amphibians are also under threat, including the boreal toad, northern leopard frog, and Woodhouse's toad. These amphibians are indicators of environmental health and are vital to maintaining the balance of aquatic ecosystems.
Mollusks:
Mollusks, including various freshwater species, are entirely protected in Colorado. Their habitats are fragile, and it is illegal to possess or disturb these species in any form.
2. Catch and Release
All fish that are caught and need to be released must be returned alive into the same body of water from which they were taken. This ensures the survival of fish populations and the health of aquatic ecosystems.
3. Prohibited Fishing Methods and Ice Fishing Regulations
To preserve the natural environment and wildlife, the following fishing methods are strictly prohibited:
- Chumming
- Using toxicants, poisons, or stupefying substances
- Electrofishing
- Using explosives
Additionally, for ice fishing, there are specific rules you need to follow:
- Ice-fishing holes cannot exceed 10 inches** in diameter.
- Fires on the ice must be in enclosed containers.
- No litter is allowed on the ice.
- Portable ice-fishing shelters must be removed at the end of the day, and permanent shelters must display the owner’s name and CID number.
These regulations are in place to maintain the safety of both anglers and aquatic habitats during winter fishing activities.
4. Allowable Species
Colorado allows certain species of aquatic wildlife to be possessed and fished. These species are categorized as follows:
Amphibians:
- Bullfrogs
- Aquatic gilled forms of tiger salamanders
- Any amphibians allowed under Chapter W-10 regulations
- Amphibians designated as unregulated wildlife under Chapter W-11 regulations
Crustaceans:
- East of the Continental Divide: Virile crayfish, waternymph crayfish, calico crayfish, ringed crayfish, and Southern Plains crayfish
- Both sides of the Continental Divide: Freshwater shrimp, commercially available brine shrimp, and krill
- All other species are prohibited.
Fish:
Species such as brown, brook, cutthroat, rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, bass, pike, walleye, and many others are allowed. However, invasive species like bighead carp, black carp, and silver carp are not permitted.
5. Bait Fish Use and Collection
Bait fish use is regulated by location in Colorado:
- Below 7,000 ft East of the Continental Divide: Live fish collected for bait may only be used in the same water body where they were collected. It is also allowed in nearby man-made ditches and canals.
- Above 7,000 ft and West of the Continental Divide: Use of live baitfish is prohibited except in Navajo Reservoir.
In certain counties (Baca, Bent, Crowley, Kiowa, Otero, and Prowers), live fish collected for personal bait use may be transported and used only within the same county.
Commercial use of certain species such as minnows, gizzard shad, carp, and white and longnose suckers is permitted with proper documentation. Seining, netting, trapping, and dipping of fish are prohibited in many natural water bodies, especially in certain counties.
6. Fish Tagging, Donations, and Emergencies
It is illegal to tag or mark a fish before release unless it is done for scientific research with approval from CPW. Tagging can only be done for research purposes and must follow strict guidelines.
You may donate edible fish parts to others, as long as the donation is within bag and possession limits. Donations must take place at the recipient’s home, and both the donor and recipient must possess the proper fishing licenses.
In emergency situations where fish populations are at risk, CPW may authorize public salvage of fish. Notices will be posted at the location, detailing allowable methods and limits for fish removal.
7. Transporting and Exporting Fish
Any wildlife transported or exported from Colorado must be accompanied by the appropriate license. If shipping fish via common carrier, a photocopy of the license must accompany the shipment, along with any necessary donation certificates.
8. Emergency Closures and Protected Waters
CPW may close fishing waters for up to nine months under emergency conditions to protect fish populations from stress or environmental damage. Closures can occur when:
- Water temperatures exceed 71°F
- Stream flows drop below 50% of the daily average
- Fish exhibit signs of stress or fungal infections
- Dissolved oxygen levels fall below 6 ppm
Fishing may also be prohibited in certain waters to protect threatened or endangered species, spawning areas, or CPW research projects. Closures will be clearly posted at the affected locations.
9. Fishing Contests
Fishing contests that involve marked or tagged fish require approval from CPW. Applications must be submitted at least **60 days** before the contest, along with a $40 non-refundable fee. Contests are not permitted on streams, rivers, Gold Medal Waters, or private lakes licensed by CPW. All participants must follow standard fishing regulations during the contest.
Conclusion
By following these regulations, anglers in Colorado contribute to the preservation and protection of the state’s aquatic ecosystems. Always check for the latest updates from CPW and plan your fishing trips accordingly. Sustainable fishing practices help ensure that Colorado’s fish populations thrive for generations to come.
