The 2026 round of Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s (CPW) funding opportunities for the Fishing is Fun Grant Program is now open.

According to a press release from CPW, the objective of the program is to provide funding to projects that expand fishing access across the state and provide more angling opportunities. CPW awards up to $650,000 in ‘Fishing is Fun’ grants annually.

This program supports projects including 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.

“CPW is always looking to empower partners to take steps to increase or improve fishing access,” said CPW Grant Manager Travis Long in the press release. “For nearly 40 years, the Fishing is Fun program has supported 375 angling improvement projects across the state, from the smallest towns on the Eastern Plains and the West Slope to the largest cities along the Front Range.”

The program also provides matching grant funds annually to local and county governments, park and recreation departments, water districts, angling organizations and others to improve angling opportunities in Colorado.

Find a fillable application form and more information about the program here. Completed applications must be submitted by Jan. 9, 2026.