Rio Blanco River Fishing Regulations
Colorado · 2026 size limits, bag limits, and seasons
Rio Blanco River is a river, Colorado. It has its own fishing regulations for 10 species, including Black Crappie, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, and Crappie, set separately for 2 sections of the river. These rules replace Colorado's statewide limits on this water.
Fish with special rules on Rio Blanco River
Tap a fish for identification tips, size records, and the best bait.
Rio Blanco River limits by species (2026)
Blanco Diversion Dam downstream to the confluence with the San Juan River
| Species | Size limit | Daily bag | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
 Black Crappie | – | – | Year-round |
 Bluegill | – | – | Year-round |
 Channel Catfish | – | – | Year-round |
| Crappie | – | – | Year-round |
 Largemouth Bass | – | – | Year-round |
 Smallmouth Bass | – | – | Year-round |
 Walleye | – | – | Year-round |
 White Crappie | – | – | Year-round |
 Yellow Perch | – | – | Year-round |
Headwaters downstream to San Juan Wilderness boundary
| Species | Size limit | Daily bag | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Fish SpeciesArtificial Only | – | – | Year-round |
 Cutthroat Trout | – | Catch & release only | Year-round |
– means no limit is listed for this water. Rules not shown here follow Colorado's statewide regulations.
Plan your Rio Blanco River trip
Rio Blanco River fishing: common questions
What fish have special regulations on Rio Blanco River?
10 species have rules specific to Rio Blanco River: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Crappie, Cutthroat Trout, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, and Walleye, and 2 more.
What is the black crappie limit on Rio Blanco River?
No size limit is listed for Black Crappie on Rio Blanco River (blanco Diversion Dam downstream to the confluence with the San Juan River).
What is the bluegill limit on Rio Blanco River?
No size limit is listed for Bluegill on Rio Blanco River (blanco Diversion Dam downstream to the confluence with the San Juan River).
What is the channel catfish limit on Rio Blanco River?
No size limit is listed for Channel Catfish on Rio Blanco River (blanco Diversion Dam downstream to the confluence with the San Juan River).
Is Rio Blanco River catch and release?
Some rules on Rio Blanco River are catch and release only, covering Cutthroat Trout. Check the table for the section and dates that apply.
Do Colorado statewide fishing rules apply on Rio Blanco River?
Where Rio Blanco 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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