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2026 regulation year

Lower Dolores River Fishing License 2026

Last updated

Colorado

Dolores River is BLM public land, but fishing runs on the host state's license — no federal fishing permit is sold.

Quick answer

State fishing license applies

Fishing the Lower Dolores River below McPhee Dam runs on a Colorado fishing licence — the Bureau of Land Management administers much of the river corridor but does not sell a fishing permit. Colorado Parks & Wildlife sets the seasons and limits.

What to know before you fish Dolores River

  • The tailwater below McPhee Dam is a coldwater trout fishery, but it is highly flow-dependent — releases vary year to year and the trout fishing rises and falls with them.
  • Downstream warmwater reaches hold smallmouth bass and native fish; some native species are catch-and-release under Colorado rules.
  • Check current McPhee Dam release flows and the CPW regulations before planning a trip; low-water years can leave the upper tailwater marginal.

How licensing works at Dolores River

Lower Dolores River is public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management, but fishing is governed by the host state's license — the BLM does not sell a fishing permit. Use the host state's regular license; any site fees cover camping or day-use, not fishing.

Compare what the Colorado license costs on the non-resident fee table, or open the full Colorado regulations.

Official source

Lower Dolores River publishes its authoritative 2026 fishing rules on the page below. Regulations change annually — verify the current year before you fish.

cpw.state.co.us →

Dolores River fishing license — FAQ

Do you need a fishing license to fish Lower Dolores River?
Dolores River is BLM public land, but fishing runs on the host state's license — no federal fishing permit is sold.
Who issues the fishing license for Dolores River?
The host state's fish & wildlife agency issues the controlling fishing license for Dolores River — the Colorado license. There is no federal fishing permit to buy here.
Is your Colorado fishing license valid in Dolores River?
Yes — Dolores River runs on the Colorado fishing license. The same license you use elsewhere in Colorado covers the unit's waters, subject to any unit-specific regulation that layers on top.
How do I check the current Dolores River fishing rules?
Lower Dolores River republishes its fishing regulations on an annual cycle. Verify the current 2026 rules on the official source linked on this page before you fish, and confirm any special-water restrictions on site.

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