Colorado is an outdoor paradise for hunters and anglers. With its stunning mountains, pristine rivers, and vast public lands, it’s no wonder that many new residents are eager to explore the state’s wildlife opportunities. Whether you’re after trophy elk or trout on the fly, here’s what you need to know about hunting and fishing in Colorado — including licensing, seasons, species, and resources.
How to Get a Colorado Hunting or Fishing License
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) manages all hunting and fishing licensing. New residents can apply online. You’ll need a valid ID and may be required to take a hunter education course depending on your age and experience.
• Apply online: cpw.state.co.us
• Phone: 1-800-244-5613
• In person: CPW offices and authorized retailers across the state
Top Game Animals for Hunting in Colorado
Elk
Size Restriction: Bull must have at least four points on one antler or a 5-inch brow tine (antlered seasons).
Season: Archery (early Sept), Rifle (Oct–Nov), Muzzleloader (mid-Sept)
Bag Limit: Typically one elk per season per license type.
License: Over-the-counter and limited draw options. Non-residents: ~$700.
Where: Southwest Colorado (GMU 61, 76), Flat Tops Wilderness, White River National Forest.
Mule Deer
Size Restriction: Antlered deer must have a visible fork.
Season: Archery (Sept), Muzzleloader (mid-Sept), Rifle (late Oct–early Nov)
Bag Limit: One buck per season.
License: Limited draw; Non-residents: ~$400.
Where: San Juan Mountains, Gunnison Basin, eastern plains for trophy bucks.
Pronghorn Antelope
Size Restriction: Antelope must have visible horns above ears.
Season: Archery (Aug–Sept), Rifle (Oct)
Bag Limit: One per season.
License: Limited draw; Non-residents: ~$400.
Where: Eastern Colorado grasslands, southeastern plains (GMUs 99, 100).
Black Bear
Size Restriction: No cubs or females with cubs.
Season: Sept–Oct (Archery, Muzzleloader, Rifle)
Bag Limit: One bear per year.
License: Limited draw and OTC; Non-residents: ~$350.
Where: West Slope, San Juan Mountains, Dolores River Basin.
Mountain Lion
Size Restriction: No spotted kittens or females with kittens.
Season: Nov–March
Bag Limit: One per year.
License: Over-the-counter; additional harvest reporting required.
Where: Front Range, Gunnison area, western slope canyons.
Wild Turkey
Size Restriction: Bearded turkeys only (spring season).
Season: Spring (Apr–May), Fall (Sept)
Bag Limit: 1–2 per season, varies by unit.
License: OTC and limited draw; ~ $150–250 for non-residents.
Where: Southeastern Colorado, South Platte River area, oak brush zones in western Colorado.
Fishing in Colorado
Rainbow Trout
Season: Year-round (best in spring and fall)
Bag Limit: 4 per day in most areas
License: Resident: ~$36, Non-resident: ~$100/year
Where: South Platte River, Fryingpan River, Blue River
Brown Trout
Season: Year-round
Bag Limit: 4 per day
License: Same as above
Where: Roaring Fork River, Gunnison River, Taylor River
Brook Trout
Season: Year-round (common in high-altitude lakes)
Bag Limit: 10 per day in some areas
License: Same as above
Where: Mountain streams and alpine lakes
Cutthroat Trout (State Fish)
Season: Year-round
Bag Limit: Often catch-and-release in native ranges
License: Same as above
Where: Colorado River headwaters, South Fork of the Snake
Lake Trout (Mackinaw)
Season: Open year-round; peak in spring/fall
Bag Limit: 1 over 22 inches in many lakes
License: Same as above
Where: Blue Mesa Reservoir, Grand Lake, Twin Lakes
Kokanee Salmon
Season: Aug–Dec (spawning runs in rivers)
Bag Limit: 10/day in most waters
License: Same as above
Where: Blue Mesa, Eleven Mile Reservoir, Gunnison River
Helpful Resources for Hunting and Fishing in Colorado
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife Main Site
- Hunting Planner
- Fishing Planner
- Big Game Brochure PDF
- Online Licensing
