Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is excited to announce a new category of fishable waters called Colorado Quality Waters. The list currently consists of 53 lakes and streams that contain productive, quality fisheries with public access, providing a top-tier experience for anglers.
CPW’s talented team of fish management biologists identified and nominated these waters based on fish sampling records, surveys, and professional biological assessments. The waters were nominated for providing exceptional angling opportunities for one species or a variety of species.
Explore the Colorado Quality Waters Map
“Colorado offers anglers the opportunity to fish in 6,000 miles of streams and more than 1,300 lakes and reservoirs,” said Josh Nehring, CPW’s Deputy Aquatic Section Manager. “We are excited to announce this new designation and highlight these high-quality fisheries.”
Colorado Quality Waters are below the threshold to be considered Gold Medal Waters, but are recognized because of their fantastic and diverse warm-water and cold-water fisheries. For more information on Gold Medal Waters see page 3 of the 2024 Colorado Fishing Brochure.
CPW will have in-depth highlights of some new Colorado Quality Waters coming soon.
Need a Fishing License?
Colorado annual fishing licenses are valid from March 1 through March 31 (13 months). CPW provides a range of options for anglers, from the annual fishing license to the one-day fishing license. Youth under the age of 16 fish for free.
Joey Livingston is a public information officer for Colorado Parks and Wildlife in Denver. Joey has lived in Colorado for 9 years and loves the outdoors. If you have a question, please email him at joseph.livingston@state.co.us
