DENVER The Colorado Division of Wildlife is encouraging anglers young and old to take advantage of Colorados great fishing opportunities during free fishing weekend, this Saturday and Sunday.
The first full weekend in June is set aside each year to promote sport fishing, and no fishing license is required in Colorado during that weekend.
Free fishing weekend is a great opportunity for people to try out fishing, if they havent yet, said Greg Gerlich, aquatic section manager for the Division of Wildlife. Its also a chance for those who used to fish Colorados outstanding waters to get back into the sport.
While no fishing license is required during the first full weekend in June, all other regulations remain in effect. That means that limits on the number of fish that can be caught in a day, known as a bag limit and restrictions on bait in certain waters, will still be enforced.
Outside of free fishing weekend, anglers between the ages of 16 and 64 must purchase a fishing license before casting a line. An annual resident fishing license costs $26, and an annual nonresident license costs $56. One-day or five-day fishing licenses are also available. Youths under age 16 are not required to have a license. The Division offers resident seniors, age 65 and older, an annual Colorado fishing license for $1.
Fishing licenses can be purchased at any license agent or division of Wildlife office. Licenses can also be purchased over the phone at 800-244-5613 or online at http://wildlife.state.co.us/ShopDOW/AppsAndLicenses/.
Colorado has more than 2,000 lakes, ponds and reservoirs that hold a variety of fish, including, trout, bass, walleye and catfish. There are also more than 10,000 miles of streams and rivers in Colorado, which offer outstanding trout fishing opportunities. Many of Colorados 42 state parks offer fishing opportunities and camping options for a great family outing.
Each year, the division of Wildlife stocks more than 3 million catchable-sized trout; in addition to 14 million trout fingerlings. The division of wildlife also stocks more than 80 million warm-water fry and fingerlings around the state each year.
For more information on state fishing regulations, the current Colorado fishing brochure is available online at http://wildlife.state.co.us/RulesRegs/RegulationsBrochures/. An interactive version of the brochure provides links to maps and useful videos for beginning to experienced anglers.
The Division of Wildlife produces a weekly fishing report that includes information about dozens of hot-spots around the state. The fishing report is available online at http://wildlife.state.co.us/Fishing/Reports/StatewideConditions/.
For more information about the Division of Wildlife, go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.