Fishing is Fun Program

The Fishing Is Fun Grant Program, administered by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), provides financial support to improve angling opportunities throughout the state of Colorado. Launched over 30 years ago, this initiative allocates up to $700,000 annually to local and county governments, water districts, conservation groups, nonprofit organizations, and other eligible entities. Since its inception, the program has funded more than 375 projects aimed at enhancing public access and sportfishing conditions, reinforcing CPW’s strategic goals of increasing angler satisfaction and recreation days across the state. The primary purpose of the Fishing Is Fun program is to develop and improve Colorado's aquatic resources, including both infrastructure and habitat enhancements that benefit public angling. Eligible projects include the creation or renovation of public fishing ponds, construction of boat ramps or fishing piers, stream or lake habitat improvements, and increased public access through easements, leases, or fee title acquisitions. The grant reimburses up to 75 percent of total project costs, while applicants are responsible for the remaining match, typically through a mix of cash and in-kind contributions. Notably, restrooms and other amenities are eligible only if they offer substantial benefit to anglers. The project lifetime is generally 20 years, with ongoing public access and maintenance requirements. Entities eligible to apply include local and county governments, parks and recreation departments, landowners, land and water trusts, open space departments, and nonprofit conservation or angling organizations. Each applicant may participate in no more than two projects annually. Collaborative partnerships among eligible agencies are permitted and even encouraged, especially for applicants with limited experience in fund management or state contracting. However, these partnerships are not mandatory. Proposals primarily serving non-angling activities or that conflict with angling priorities, such as whitewater parks, are discouraged and subject to heightened scrutiny. The application process involves multiple phases. Prospective applicants are encouraged to consult with local CPW aquatic biologists or wildlife managers at least 30 days prior to the submission deadline. Applications are submitted via email to Program Coordinator Travis Long (travis.long@state.co.us). After initial review by regional CPW staff, selected applicants are invited to present to the Review Panel in Denver in mid-March. Successful proposals are those demonstrating increased angler access, higher public benefit, cost-effectiveness, and project feasibility. Final approval is granted by the CPW Director, with follow-up compliance reviews conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service when applicable. For the 2024–2025 cycle, applications opened in November 2024 and were due by January 31, 2025. Review panel presentations are scheduled for March 12, 2025, and conditional funding decisions are announced in April 2025. Projects must undergo necessary federal compliance steps—such as NEPA evaluations or 404 permits—before final letters of approval are issued, typically by January 2026. All funded projects must be completed by December 31, 2028, and remain accessible to the public for their full useful life. Inquiries about the program should be directed to Travis Long, the Fishing Is Fun Program Coordinator at travis.long@state.co.us. Applicants are strongly advised not to begin construction or commit funds before receiving a formal letter to proceed, as doing so may invalidate the grant. All funded work must adhere strictly to state contract guidelines and be reimbursed only upon completion of approved milestones.

Early consultation with CPW is advised. No construction may start before formal approval and contract.