COLORADO DIVISION OF WILDLIFE OFFERS FREE FISHING DAYS THIS WEEKEND
People looking for a good excuse to give fishing in Colorado a try will have one this weekend - Colorado’s free fishing days will take place June 2 and 3.
Free Fishing weekend in Colorado is an annual event that takes place the first full weekend in June and is sponsored by the Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW). It is the only time in the state where anglers do not need to buy a license to fish public waters. However, all other state fishing regulations must be followed. Copies of the state fishing regulations are available at DOW offices, license agents and on the DOW Website at: http://wildlife.state.co.us.
Anyone who plans to visit a State Wildlife Area, whether fishing or not, will need to have a Colorado Habitat Stamp in possession. Individuals with a valid 2007 hunting or fishing license already have a habitat stamp as they are required with license purchases. Without a valid hunting or fishing license, anyone between the age of 19 and 64 is required to purchase a $10 habitat stamp before entering a State Wildlife Area. Stamps are available at DOW offices, where hunting or fishing licenses are sold or online through the DOW Website. Habitat stamp purchasers are also covered by the state’s search and rescue fund, a valuable benefit for back-country visitors.
Colorado is home to more than 2,000 lakes, ponds, and reservoirs that hold a variety of trout, bass, walleye, catfish and many other warm-water species of fish. There is also more than 10,000 miles of stream and river in the state that rates as good-to-excellent for trout.
The DOW stocks more than 3 million catchable-sized trout; in addition to 14 million trout fingerlings throughout the state every year. More than 80 million warm-water fry and fingerlings are also stocked annually.
Fishing continues to be one of the most popular outdoor activities in the state with more than 700,000 licenses sold in Colorado last year.
Even after the free fishing weekend, fishing continues to be one of the best values in outdoor recreation. Children 15 and under fish for free and an adult resident license for the year costs $26 after the purchase of a habitat stamp.
Anglers can get statewide fishing information on the DOW Website at: http://wildlife.state.co.us.
For more news about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us/news/index.asp?DivisionID=3
For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.