Dolores River Fishing Regulations
Colorado · 2026 size limits, bag limits, and seasons
Dolores River is a river, Colorado. It has its own fishing regulations for 8 species, including Brown Trout, Brook Trout, Cutthroat Trout, and Golden Trout, set separately for 3 sections of the river. These rules replace Colorado's statewide limits on this water.
Map of Dolores River
Fish with special rules on Dolores River
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Dolores River limits by species (2026)
From McPhee Dam downstream approximately 11 miles to the Bradfield Bridge
| Species | Size limit | Daily bag | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Fish SpeciesArtificial Only | – | – | Year-round |
 Brook Trout | – | Catch & release only | Year-round |
 Brown Trout | – | Catch & release only | Year-round |
 Cutthroat Trout | – | Catch & release only | Year-round |
 Golden Trout | – | Catch & release only | Year-round |
 Lake Trout | – | Catch & release only | Year-round |
 Rainbow Trout | – | Catch & release only | Year-round |
 Steelhead | – | Catch & release only | Year-round |
From Bradfield Bridge downstream to the state line
| Species | Size limit | Daily bag | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brown TroutNo bag limit | – | – | Year-round |
From the confluence with West Fork of the Dolores River downstream to the standing water line of McPhee Reservoir
| Species | Size limit | Daily bag | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
 Sockeye SalmonSnagging allowed | – | – | Jan 1 – Nov 14, Nov 15 – Dec 31 · Prohibited |
– means no limit is listed for this water. Rules not shown here follow Colorado's statewide regulations.
Plan your Dolores River trip
Dolores River fishing: common questions
What fish have special regulations on Dolores River?
8 species have rules specific to Dolores River: Brown Trout, Brook Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Golden Trout, Lake Trout, Rainbow Trout, Sockeye Salmon, and Steelhead.
What is the brown trout limit on Dolores River?
Brown Trout are catch and release only on Dolores River (from McPhee Dam downstream approximately 11 miles to the Bradfield Bridge). Rules differ across 2 sections of the river.
What is the brook trout limit on Dolores River?
Brook Trout are catch and release only on Dolores River (from McPhee Dam downstream approximately 11 miles to the Bradfield Bridge).
What is the cutthroat trout limit on Dolores River?
Cutthroat Trout are catch and release only on Dolores River (from McPhee Dam downstream approximately 11 miles to the Bradfield Bridge).
Is Dolores River catch and release?
Some rules on Dolores River are catch and release only, covering Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Golden Trout, and Lake Trout and others. Check the table for the section and dates that apply.
Do Colorado statewide fishing rules apply on Dolores River?
Where Dolores River has its own rule for a species, that rule replaces the statewide limit. For species not listed on this page, Colorado's statewide regulations apply. Regulations are set by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife; confirm with the official 2026 regulations before keeping a fish.
Other Colorado waters with special regulations
- South Platte River
- Yampa River
- Colorado River
- White River
- Poudre River · Larimer
- Gunnison River
- Blue River · Grand, Summit
- Roaring Fork River
- Arkansas River · Chaffee , Lake , Fremont , Pueblo
- Animas River · La Plata
- Eagle River · Eagle
- Taylor River
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