Rio Grande Fishing Regulations
Colorado · 2026 size limits, bag limits, and seasons
Rio Grande is a river, Colorado. It has its own fishing regulations for 2 species, including Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout, set separately for 2 sections of the river. These rules replace Colorado's statewide limits on this water.
Map of Rio Grande
Fish with special rules on Rio Grande
Tap a fish for identification tips, size records, and the best bait.
Rio Grande limits by species (2026)
Colo. 149 bridge at South Fork downstream to the Rio Grande Canal diversion structure
| Species | Size limit | Daily bag | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Fish SpeciesArtificial Only | – | – | Year-round |
 Brown Trout | 16" min | 2 | Year-round |
 Rainbow Trout | – | Catch & release only | Year-round |
Lower boundary of River Hill Campground downstream to the Colo. 149 bridge
| Species | Size limit | Daily bag | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Fish SpeciesArtificial Only | – | – | Year-round |
| Brown Trout | 12" max | 2 | Year-round |
| Rainbow 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 Grande trip
Rio Grande fishing: common questions
What fish have special regulations on Rio Grande?
2 species have rules specific to Rio Grande: Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout.
What is the brown trout limit on Rio Grande?
Brown Trout must be at least 16" to keep on Rio Grande (colo. 149 bridge at South Fork downstream to the Rio Grande Canal diversion structure), and the daily bag limit is 2. Rules differ across 2 sections of the river.
What is the rainbow trout limit on Rio Grande?
Rainbow Trout are catch and release only on Rio Grande (colo. 149 bridge at South Fork downstream to the Rio Grande Canal diversion structure). Rules differ across 2 sections of the river.
Is Rio Grande catch and release?
Some rules on Rio Grande are catch and release only, covering Rainbow Trout. Check the table for the section and dates that apply.
Do Colorado statewide fishing rules apply on Rio Grande?
Where Rio Grande 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
Take Rio Grande rules on the water
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