Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge

The 2026 catch-and-release fishing season opens Saturday, April 4, 2026.

• Get hooked on fishing at Lake Mary and Lake Ladora the first Saturday in April to November 30.
• Daily fishing fee of $3 for anglers 16 and older or purchase a $60 season pass by appointment at the Visitor Center.
• Kids 15 and under fish for free.
• High school and college students fish for free with a current student ID card.
• Anglers 16 and older must have a valid Colorado Fishing License to fish at the Refuge. 

Refuge Hours: Fall, winter, and spring sunrise to sunset. May 1 through August 1 hours are sunrise to 8:00 pm.

How to pay the daily fishing fee:

• Credit card machine at the Lake Mary Learning Center parking lot and at the northwest side of Lake Ladora near the parking lot/restrooms.
• Cash or check - use the self-serve fishing fee stations with fee envelopes at Lake Mary Learning Center, North Ladora, South Ladora, and North Havana Ponds kiosks.
• Check - payable to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and include your driver's license number.
• Purchase a $60 season pass by calling the Visitor Center at 303-289-0930 to schedule an appointment Wednesday through Sunday. Pass sale is by exact cash or check only. 

Lake Ladora: Bank fishing only. Wade fishing only with calf, hip, or chest waders is permitted after Memorial Day to November 30. Fishing is prohibited east of and from the floating boardwalk.

Lake Mary: Bank fishing only, wading is prohibited. All cattail peninsulas and islands are closed to protect wildlife habitat.

Fishing is catch-and-release only. Anglers must use barbless hooks and no live bait. There is no magnet fishing. Fishing rules, regulations, and details are posted below under Related Documents.