For most anglers going fishing is usually a question of where should I go, how do I get there, what should I fish with or how are they biting? Those are the common questions asked by most anglers. But they don’t answer all the questions for all anglers.

Each year in Colorado, more than a million people will take advantage of the opportunity to go fishing. But for a number of those anglers, people with a disability, going fishing is just not that simple. But there is help. Anglers with a disability can now take advantage of a multitude of areas that have been designed to assist them with fishing access. State, federal, county and even local city programs have been developing new and improved handicap fishing access areas around the state

The Colorado Division of Wildlife’s "Fishing is Fun Program" is just one of several programs across the state that is working to make fishing more accessible for everyone. This program provides matching federal funds through the Sports Fish Restoration Act to Colorado communities to improve local fishing opportunities. You can contact your local Colorado Division of Wildlife office for a copy of the free brochure, A Guide to Fishing Is Fun Projects, which lists project areas with improved facilities, fish habitat and public access.

State Parks, as well as, National Forests will also offer some type of mobility handicapped facilities. For more information on state parks, contact the Colorado State Parks office at (303) 866-3437, or the U.S. Forest Service office at (303) 275-5350. Both offices are located in Denver.

Remember, while most of the areas listed have reasonably good access for someone with a mobility handicap, it is still a good idea to use the buddy system in the outdoors and take someone along to assist you.

Other Disabled Accessibility Information.