Amphibians as Fishing Bait Regulations

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is proposing a change to fishing regulations that would prohibit the use of amphibians as fishing bait. To learn more, watch the July 1st informational webinar recording. The public input period closed on July 16, 2026. The Parks and Wildlife Commission is tentatively scheduled to initially consider the proposal (step 1 of 2) at the September 2-3, 2026 meeting. and to consider final regulations for approval (step 2 of 2) at the November 4-5, 2026 meeting. More information on submitting public comments for consideration by Commissioners is available on the PWC webpage.

Background

Under current Chapter W-1 fishing regulations, bullfrogs and the aquatic gilled form of tiger salamanders (also known as “waterdogs”) may be purchased from bait shops or harvested personally or commercially for use as fishing bait dead or alive. Regulations on the use of amphibians as bait currently set a daily bag and possession limit of 50 tiger salamanders (under 5 inches in length), while bullfrog harvest is currently unlimited since this species is a nonnative invasive species.

Regulations allowing amphibians to be harvested and used as bait present multiple wildlife management and conservation challenges. Tiger salamanders and bullfrogs are known asymptomatic carriers of chytrid fungus (Bd), a pathogen linked to the decline of Colorado's endangered boreal toad populations. Additionally, the commercial importation of amphibians carries a risk of introducing other dangerous diseases, such as ranavirus and the pathogenic chytrid fungus Bsal, for which health inspection protocols are not as well-established as they are for fish. Furthermore, releasing imported tiger salamanders may compromise the conservation status and genetic structure of resident Western (barred) tiger salamanders.

What Changes are Being Considered?

CPW staff are proposing a change to current regulations that would prohibit the use, possession, and transport of any amphibian (live or dead) for use as fishing bait, regardless of whether they were taken from the wild or acquired from commercial sources. These proposed updates are designed to safeguard native amphibian populations, prevent the spread of aquatic diseases, and minimize the risk of introducing invasive species into Colorado’s diverse ecosystems.

The take of bullfrogs for human consumption would remain allowable provided they are immediately killed at the point of take and not possessed, transported, or exported live.

Learn More and Get Involved

To learn more, watch the July 1st informational webinar recording.

CPW sought public input on the potential regulation change to inform development of the regulatory proposal that will be presented to the Parks and Wildlife Commission. The public input period closed on July 16, 2026.

Members of the public can submit public comments directly to the Commission as part of the rulemaking process. More information on submitting public comments for consideration by Commissioners is available on the PWC webpage.