Colorado Parks and Wildlife reminds Colorado anglers that 2017 fishing licenses are valid as of April 1. Thanks to unseasonably warm temperatures, the ice is receding fast so get your poles out of the closet and hit a lake this spring.

Near Denver, three excellent bodies of water to cast a line are Chatfield or Cherry Creek state parks or the Aurora Reservoir. These lakes are all stocked by CPW. The agency supports 19 hatcheries and rearing units statewide and stocks 90 million fish annually into waters throughout Colorado in order to ensure good angling opportunities.

“Colorado Parks and Wildlife works hard to foster excellent fishing opportunities throughout the state,” said Lauren Truitt, public information officer for CPW. “Colorado anglers take pride in their favorite fishing spots as a result. This season we’re encouraging experienced anglers to introduce someone to the sport or try a new location to fish.”

Some of the additional lakes CPW stocks that currently offer good fishing throughout the state include Manitou Lake, Fort Collins City Park, Corn Lake, St.Vrain State Park ponds, Anticline Fishing Pond at Lake Pueblo State Park, Bear Creek Lake Park, Chipeta Lake State Wildlife area, Akron Pond and Sylvan Lake State Park.

CPW does not receive general tax dollars and fishing license fees support all statewide hatchery and fish-stocking operations. Don’t forget to buy a state park pass when you buy your license. Colorado state parks provide excellent opportunities for anglers, offering 37 places to fish 365 days of the year.

An annual license is good starting April 1, 2017 through March 31, 2018. CPW provides a range of options for anglers from the annual fishing license to the one-day fishing license as well as educational opportunities for those new to angling. Buy a license online at CPW’s secure license application portal or by phone at 1-800-244-5613​​​​​​.

For individuals aged 18 through 64, a $10 Habitat Stamp is required with the first license purchase for the year. For more information, read about the Habitat Stamp.

Youth under age 16 can fish for free and CPW provides opportunities throughout the season to learn how to fish. Check the calendar on the CPW website for upcoming clinics.

Get tips and stay up to date on Colorado fishing regulations by reading the 2017 Colorado Fishing Brochure. Also, to customers that sign up through the secure license application portal, CPW sends emails providing updated fishing conditions, tips, news and upcoming events as well as regulation updates. Don’t forget to update your email information when you log in.