Trout fishing is a popular activity in Colorado's plentiful waterways. There are a wide range of trout species that you can catch in the state's lakes, streams and rivers. Whether you are near a major city like Denver or in the open Colorado Plateau region in the western part of the state, chances are there are plenty of trout for you to catch in Colorado.
Types
Rainbow trout are the most common type of trout you can catch in Colorado's lakes and streams. You can catch cutthroat trout in many mountain streams and lakes--Trappers Lake has the largest population of native Colorado River cutthroat trout in the world. The largest trout species found in Colorado is the lake trout, which is found in areas like Turquoise Lake and reservoirs like the Blue Mesa, Taylor and North Catamount. As of September 2010, the record for the largest lake trout caught in Colorado is a 44 pounds, 5 oz. fish caught at the Blue Mesa reservoir in 2003 (See References 2).
Time Frame
Trout fishing is allowed year-round in Colorado's lakes and rivers. In fact, you can take fish, amphibians and other aquatic creatures that are not on an endangered species or protected list from Colorado's waterways any time of year. Fishing is allowed 24 hours a day in Colorado (See References 1, Page 2).
Fees
As of September 2010, Colorado residents ages 16 to 64 can purchase an annual fishing license for $26 after purchasing a $5 Habitat Stamp, while seniors 64 and older can buy a license for $1. There is no license fee for residents under 16. One-day fishing licenses for residents and non-residents are $9, while non-residents can purchase an annual fishing license for $56 or a five-day license for $21. You can fish without a license or Habitat Stamp on the first full weekend of June each year (See References 1, Page 2).
Protected Species
Among the fish species protected by the Colorado Division of Wildlife is the greenback cutthroat trout, which has limited fishing allowed in designated Cutthroat Conservation and Recreation waters to increase overall stock numbers. Fish in these areas can only be caught using artificial bait, and lures and must be released as soon as the fish are caught.
Trout Fishing Limits
The Colorado Division of Wildlife sets specific bag and possession limits for catching different species of fish in state waters. The bag limit is the amount of fish person can catch at any one time, while the possession limit is the amount of fish they can have in their possession--including in the field, at home or even smoked and in storage--at any one time. As of September 2010, the daily bag limit for most trout is four and possession limit is eight--you can bag and possess up to 10 brook trout no longer than eight inches.
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