Colorado’s 2016 Free Fishing Days and Youth Fishing Fest
With all of the reservoirs, rivers, and lakes that can be found throughout the beautiful state Colorado, there are plenty of amazing places to cast a line and reel in some fish.
To kick off the season, Colorado will be holding its annual Free Fishing Weekend, happening this year on June 4-5. Whether you're an experienced angler or just beginning to learn, this is the perfect time to take advantage of the opportunity to access thousands of miles of fishable bodies of water, without even needing a license.
In conjunction with the free fishing days, the U.S. Forest Service will also be hosting a Free Fishing Fest for kids, taking place on June 4 in the West Lake Day-use area of the Roosevelt National Forest near Red Feather Lakes. Participants under the age of 15-years-old will receive a complimentary fishing pole along with fun-filled, informative lessons provided by the Forest Service fisheries biology staff, the Soaring Eagle Ecology Center and volunteers from Rocky Mountain Flycasters Chapter of Trout Unlimited. Check-in time is from 8-8:30 a.m., and the event lasts until 1:30 p.m. Space is limited, so participants must register online at https://canyonlakesrangerdistrict-kids-fishing-fest-2016.eventbrite.co.uk.
If you need help finding the perfect place to drop your line for the day, try out the Colorado Fishing Atlas, which allows you to search for fishing opportunities by species, specific interest, or proximity to your home. When it comes to being covered for the remainder of the season, annual fishing licenses are on sale now. These licenses are valid April 1 through March 31 annually for fishing, combination fishing and hunting, small game and Colorado waterfowl stamps, and can be purchased at license agents, CPW offices, online or by phone at 1-800-244-5613.