A Quick Guide to 2024 Colorado Fishing Laws: What You Need to Know Before Casting Your Line
Fishing in Colorado is a favorite pastime for locals and visitors alike. With the state's wide variety of lakes, streams, and rivers, there's no shortage of opportunities for anglers. However, it's essential to be aware of the fishing laws and regulations set by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) to ensure you fish responsibly and within legal limits. Let’s dive into some of the key Colorado fishing laws you should know.
1. One Personally-Attended Line
Each angler is allowed only one personally-attended line, with a maximum of three common hooks attached. This means you must be present to attend to your line while fishing.
2. Trot-Lines
Trot-lines are a specialized method allowed only on select reservoirs, including Adobe Creek, Bonny, and Navajo, among others. A few key rules apply:
- Only one trot-line is allowed per angler.
- Trot-lines must be anchored and marked at both ends with floats.
- The line can be no longer than 150 feet and must be weighted to stay at least three feet under the water.
- A maximum of 25 droplines are allowed, each with three barbed hooks.
- Trot-lines must be tagged with your CID number or name if a CID is unavailable, and must be checked at least once every 24 hours.
3. Jugs
Fishing with jugs is another permitted method but is restricted to the same reservoirs that allow trot-lines. The rules for jug fishing include:
- You may use up to 10 jugs per license holder.
- Each jug can only have one line and one hook.
- All jugs must be tagged with the angler’s CID number or name.
- Jugs must be checked once an hour to ensure responsible fishing.
4. Underwater Spearfishing, Archery, Slingbows, and Gigs
If you enjoy underwater spearfishing or using archery, slingbows, or gigs, the rules are strict but clear. These methods are mainly used for taking carp and northern pike, with some exceptions:
- Bows used for fishing must have a reel and fishing line attached, and an arrow safety-slide mechanism.
- CO2 guns or cartridge-powered spears are not allowed for spearfishing.
- Divers must stay within a 100-foot radius of a float with the National Divers’ Symbol, and spears must be attached to safety lines.
- Archery and slingbows can be used to catch kokanee salmon if the water allows for snagging.
5. Snagging
Snagging is permitted only for kokanee salmon in specific waters. Any other species caught through snagging must be returned to the water immediately to avoid penalties.
6. Seines and Cast Nets
Using seines or cast nets is allowed, but only for collecting bait fish, aquatic tiger salamander larvae, and crayfish. The rules for using seines include:
- Seines must have a quarter-inch or smaller mesh.
- Seines cannot exceed 20 feet in length or be deeper than four feet.
7. Fishing By Hand or With Dip Nets
Hand-fishing or using dip nets is allowed for catching bullfrogs, crayfish, and tiger salamander larvae. Dip nets can also be used to catch bait fish, as long as you follow CPW restrictions.
8. Livetraps
Livetraps, such as cage or box traps, are legal for catching crayfish, snapping turtles, and bait fish for personal use. Each trap must be tagged with the angler’s CID number or name.
9. Artificial Light and Bait
Artificial light is permitted to aid in fishing. Anglers may also use bait where it is allowed, but chumming is strictly prohibited.
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Understanding and following these fishing laws ensures that you enjoy your fishing experience while protecting Colorado's natural resources. Whether you prefer casting a line from the shore or setting trot-lines in larger reservoirs, being aware of the regulations helps keep the state’s waters pristine for future generations. For more details on specific fishing regulations, visit the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website. Happy fishing!
