Fishing is Fun Grant Program

Fishing is Fun Grant Program

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Colorado Parks & Wildlife
Amount: Up to US $700,000
Last Updated: December 21, 2025

Summary

The Fishing is Fun Grant Program, managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, aims to enhance angling opportunities throughout Colorado by providing up to $700,000 annually in matching funds. This initiative supports a variety of projects including habitat improvements, access enhancements, and public amenities at fishing sites. Eligible applicants include local governments, recreation departments, and nonprofit organizations. Over 30 years, the program has funded 375 projects, promoting sustainable fishing practices and community engagement.

Overview

NOTE: Applicants are advised to contact their local Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) office as soon as possible, but at least 30 days prior to application deadline. Projects often have technical or biological questions associated with them. Guidance and input from local CPW personnel has proven to be valuable in developing the best possible proposal. History Over more than 25 years, the Fishing Is Fun program has supported nearly 300 angling improvement projects across the state, from the smallest towns on the Eastern Plains and the West Slope to the major metropolitan areas along the Front Range. In just the last few years, grants have been awarded for projects in or near Steamboat Springs, Lake City, Hudson, Idaho Springs, Pueblo and nearly two dozen other locations. Project sponsors have included open-space programs, water trusts, angling organizations, local and county governments and park and recreation departments. Fishing Is Fun Grant Program The Fishing Is Fun program provides up to $700,000 annually in matching grants to local and county governments, park and recreation departments, angling organizations, water districts and others for projects to improve angling opportunities in Colorado. For over 30 years, the program has supported 375 angling improvement projects across the state. Project Types Among the types of projects supported through Fishing Is Fun are stream and river habitat improvements, access improvements, perpetual easements for public access, pond and lake habitat improvements, fish retention structures, development of new fishing ponds, and amenity improvements such as shade shelters, benches and restrooms. The four categories of projects are: New Angler Access This category covers projects developing access to streams and lakes that have been previously closed to the public or to lands that are owned by public agencies but have been largely inaccessible by the public for lack of development or other site challenges. Access can be accomplished by easements, leases, or in some cases, fee title acquisition. It can include site and facility development associated with that access such as trails or access steps to fishing waters. It can also include identification of and signage for existing, but underutilized publicly owned angling access. Habitat Development Includes in-stream structures, bank stabilization, erosion control, revegetation, submerged fish habitat improvements, and renovation to irrigation diversion structures to facilitate fish migration or float angling access. In-stream habitat project often present specialized challenges and require specific skills. For projects involving in-stream habitat work, early consultation with CPW aquatic biologists is strongly advised. Improvements based on the Natural Channel Design approach is also advised. CPW aquatic biologists can also advise project sponsors on firms experienced with Natural Channel Design. Project sponsors have also often found it helpful for CPW aquatic biologists to be involved with the contractor selection process. Fishing Site Improvements This category includes development activities at existing public fishing sites such as restrooms, angler trails, fishing piers, shade shelters, parking lots, and other angler amenities. Boat Access This category covers all types of amenities associated with motor boat access. Projects can be on rivers or lakes and include improvements such as boat ramps, docks, restrooms, parking lots, fencing and access road improvements. Fishing Is Fun projects often include one or more of the following elements: Construction or renovation of public fishing pondsConstruction or renovation of boat ramps, docks, or fishing piers RestroomsIf restrooms are involved, they must be an integral part of a fisheries project and substantially benefit anglers. Grant funding must be commensurate with the overall project benefit to anglers, i.e. costs may be pro-rated to reflect anticipated angler share of usage. Stream or lake habitat improvement structuresFencing of stream riparian habitatFacility improvements such as access trails, parking, shade shelters, bank stabilizationAngler access structuresPublic access for stream or lake fishing by fee title, easement, or lease If new public access involving a property interest (i.e. access easement, fee title acquisition) is part of a project, the sponsor must contact the FIF program coordinator early in the process and prior to submitting the application. Additional requirements are involved with real estate actions that must be addressed by CPW staff.

Eligibility

We've imported the main document for this grant to give you an overview. You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Who Can Apply:A wide range of entities are eligible to apply for Fishing is Fun grants including: local and county governments park and recreation departments open space departments water districts landowners angling organizations land and water trusts conservation groups and other nonprofit organizations. Applicants may not participate in more than two projects annually. Separate chapters or units of statewide organizations are considered as separate applicants. Two or more local agencies may form a partnership to conduct a project.ELIGIBLE PROJECTS:The Fishing Is Fun Grant Program is designed to improve Colorado’s sportfishing resources and anglers’ ability to access them. Characteristics of projects that can help meet those goals include: The project will assist Colorado Parks and Wildlife in reaching its Strategic Plan goals, most notably an increase in angler recreation days or angler satisfaction. Proposed improvements are substantial in nature. The project directly relates to an improvement in or access to the sportfishing resource. Features will be maintained for the life of the project for sportfishing purposes, normally considered to be 20 years. Public access to the sportfishing resource is assured for the useful life of the project. The project is a cost-effective investment. Physical facilities will be of barrier-free construction and be open to all anglers. The Fishing Is Fun program has historically supported four broad categories of projects. However, project proponents are encouraged to propose other innovative projects if they can meet the goal of the FIF program – improvements to Colorado’s angling recreation resources.

Ineligibility

INELIGIBLE PROJECT ELEMENTS:No grants will be made for overhead, program administration, planning, or research. Awards are not given for contingency funds or unanticipated overages. Grants will not be made for any project not available to the general public for fishing purposes or for ventures with a commercial emphasis. "Seed" money or general operations funds are not available from Fishing is Fun. BBQ pits, RV hookups, and non-fishing-related amenities are not eligible for reimbursement or for use as match. Projects that are designed primarily to benefit other outdoor recreation activities that may conflict with angling will be closely scrutinized. Whitewater parks are a recent example of projects that may result in habitat or usage impacts that can impair a quality angling experience. Applicants should work with CPW aquatic biologists to ensure potential conflicts will be avoided. Proposals such as fishing clinics, aquatic displays, or angler education are not eligible for Fishing Is Fun funding, but can receive assistance through other CPW programs. Please contact the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Education Section in Denver for information on programs that can support angling education projects. Additional information is also available on the CPW website.