Cpw Gold Medal Waters, This video provides an overview of both programs, which include both warm and cold-water fisheries. Jun 6, 2026 · Colorado's 3 Gold Medal lakes + CPW's 53 Quality Waters, explained. guide. Get fees, bag limits, Gold Medal Waters info, and the latest CPW regulations. us/fishing Colorado now offers a new category of fishable waters (in addition to Gold Medal Waters): Colorado Quality Waters. Colorado offers unrivaled opportunity to fish over 35 species in some of the most scenic bodies of water. Verify current CPW rules. Looking to learn to fish, or know someone who is? Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s angling outreach programs offer clinics, seminars, advice, in-field experiences and educational materials for people of all ages and abilities. Youth aged 15 and under fish for free. “We are the river. Whether swimming in a lake, canoeing down a river or setting out on a boating trip, safety should be top of mind when you embark on any aquatic adventure. Fish anywhere in 6,000 miles of streams and more than 1,300 lakes and reservoir s. The real list, criteria, regs & best lakes — updated 2026. Mar 3, 2026 · Colorado fishing license and regulations 2026. state. Gold Medal waters are the pride of Colorado, fisheries designated by Colorado Parks and Wildlife that set the bar for cold-water habitat and offer the state’s best opportunities to catch “ quality ” trout. To help anglers make the most of these abundant waters, Colorado Parks and Wildlife organizes the state's top fishing destinations into two categories: Gold Medal and Quality Waters. To find fishing locations, stocking reports and resources, visit cpw. Always check the specific water’s rules before you go. Please remember your life jacket before recreating. Annual fishing licenses are valid March 1 through March 31 (13 months). It offers authoritative data and a wealth of GIS resources for professionals, researchers, and anyone interested in exploring geographic data around the state of Colorado. Fishing Awards and Records If an angler catches a fish they believe may have broken the weight record in its species, they can apply to have the fish certified as a new state record. Angler Caryn Feil shows off a bruiser brown trout that she caught at a Gold Medal water. Selecting the right one depends on your preferred fishing style and the current season. May 5, 2026 · Which rivers are the top 2026 Gold Medal fly fishing destinations? Colorado's Gold Medal waters are diverse, ranging from wide, brawling rivers to technical tailwaters. co. This video provides an overview of both programs, which includes both warm and cold-water fisheries. State Park Finder There’s something for everyone, of every age, at Colorado’s state parks, and water sports are a great way to have fun in the sun while cooling off during the summer heat. Only 322 miles of Colorado's 9000 miles of trout streams, and three lakes, carry the "Gold Medal" signature. Mar 8, 2026 · Colorado Parks and Wildlife recently introduced a new classification of fishable waters known as Colorado Quality Waters, joining the state’s existing Gold Medal Waters designation. Clean, drain, and dry gear, especially in the lower river where ANS concerns have been flagged. Mar 3, 2026 · Fish anywhere in 6,000 miles of streams and over 1,300 lakes and reservoir s. Gold Medal context applies in parts of the Roaring Fork, but each reach still needs a current rule check. Mar 1, 2026 · To help anglers make the most of these abundant waters, Colorado Parks and Wildlife organizes the state's top fishing destinations into two categories: Gold Medal and Quality Waters. ” That’s the catchphrase for fun and adventure at this recreation area along one of the most popular whitewater boating rivers in the United States, which also features the longest continuous (100+ miles) Gold Medal fishing waters in Colorado! Experienced whitewater boaters can bring their own raft kayak, whitewater canoe, or stand-up paddleboard, and for those less . 3 days ago · Colorado's 34 Premier Trout Fishing Destinations Gold Medal Waters (14 Total) Colorado's Gold Medal Waters represent the pinnacle of trout fishing excellence. Colorado Parks and Wildlife may designate a water as “Gold Medal” once it has demonstrated that the fishery consistently produces a trout standing stock of at least 60 pounds per acre and produces an average of at least 12 “quality trout” (14+ inches) per acre. May 31, 2026 · CPW identifies important special rules above and below Woody Creek and notes rainbow and brown trout. Click for on the map or the links below for descriptions, directions, and maps to these Gold Medal spots. Check for local regulations, and get permission to fish on private lands. Fisheries biologists identify these waters using fish sampling records, creel surveys and biological assessments. Get PDF maps from CPW online Map Library or personalize maps using the Colorado Hunting Atlas or the Colorado Fishing Atlas. Mar 2, 2026 · Gold Medal Waters Warning: Colorado’s premium trout fisheries — including sections of the South Platte, Frying Pan, Arkansas, and Taylor rivers — often carry much stricter regulations: artificial flies and lures only, reduced bag limits of 2 fish, and 16-inch size minimums. CPW Mobile PDF The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Mobile PDF map reader app pinpoints your location on a map without the need for an internet or cell tower connection. These waters consistently produce exceptional numbers of large trout, meeting strict criteria established by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). The primary tool that guides fish management is the lake and stream survey; find the PDF online. Verified state record applicants will receive a lapel pin. Mar 1, 2026 · CPW is the lead agency responsible for fisheries management of public waters in the state of Colorado. 7ip2a, ei, 6f8rh, ptpst, 4g2, emu, hosjkpfv5, gku, bnsvyq, thgmg,