DENVER – If you love fishing and haven’t taken advantage of several opportunities swimming around the state, Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials hope you’ll catch and release this weekend.
“To give everyone an opportunity to get out and get some hits, Colorado Parks and Wildlife is inviting anglers of all ages to participate in its annual Free Fishing weekend, June 3-4,” said Lauren Truitt, a spokesperson for CPW.
Each year during the first weekend of June, the agency allows anglers around the state to cast their fishing lines without having a fishing license. For the rest of the year, however, a license is required for persons older than 16 years of age.
"This is the perfect opportunity for anglers to introduce a friend, family member and, especially, children to one of America's favorite activities," said Doug Krieger, aquatic section manage for Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
Colorado boasts more than 2,500 lakes and reservoirs, many within beautiful State Parks, and 9,500 miles of fishable streams and rivers including 300 miles of Gold Medal streams. Each year CPW stocks 90 million sportfish in Colorado waters.
CPW officials said that while fishing licenses are not required during free fishing weekend, all other regulations remain in effect. Make sure to check the Colorado Fishing brochure for specific regulations and restrictions.
Those licenses can be purchased at any CPW office or from one of the more than 600 license agents across the state. Licenses can also be purchased online.
Anglers may also purchase a fishing license over the phone and receive a temporary authorization number allowing them to fish immediately by calling 800-244-5613.
RELATED HEADLINES --
Anglers allowed to keep fish caught at southern Colorado reservoir
Colorado offering $20 for each northern pike caught in Green Mountain Reservoir
