Many cold-water species of fish live in the state's mountains, lakes, and streams, including seven kinds of trout (native cutthroat, rainbow, brown, brook, lake, kokanee, and whitefish), walleye, yellow perch, northern pike, tiger muskie, and bluegill. Warm-water sport fish (especially in eastern Colorado and in large rivers) include catfish, crappie, and bass (largemouth, smallmouth, white, and wiper). Although you'll find good fishing throughout the state, among the best spots are in the Arkansas River near Salida, the Roaring Fork River near Aspen, and the numerous streams and lakes in the mountains surrounding Steamboat Springs.

The fishing season is year-round, except in certain specified waters. A 1-year license costs $40.25 for an adult nonresident (ages 16 and over), and $20.25 for a resident. A 5-day license is $18.25, and a 1-day license is $5.25, for nonresidents and residents alike. Children under 16 are restricted to half the daily bag limit without a license.

The Colorado Division of Wildlife, 6060 Broadway, Denver, CO 80216 (tel. 303/297-1192; www.wildlife.state.co.us), offers anglers handy recorded messages.

A Wimpy State Fish--Mistakenly believed to be extinct in 1937 and listed as an endangered species in the early 1970s, the greenback cutthroat trout has made a comeback, and in 1994 was named the official Colorado State Fish by the state legislature. It replaced the rainbow trout, a California transplant that had been listed on maps and other documents as the state fish, although state Division of Wildlife officials couldn't say why.

Known for its black spots and brilliant crimson color on its sides, the greenback cutthroat is one of four subspecies of cutthroat trout native to Colorado, one of the few species of fish that can truly be called the state's own. The greenback was abundant in Colorado waters during the early to mid-19th century, but pollution from silver and gold mining took its toll, and later the greenback was crowded out by the more aggressive rainbow, brown, and brook trout that had been imported to expand fishing opportunities.

Part of the greenback's problem is that it fails to live up to its cutthroat name, letting other trout invade its waters and practically jumping on any hook dropped into the water.

But rumors of its demise were premature, and two native populations were discovered just outside Rocky Mountain National Park in 1973. Efforts were begun to reintroduce the fish to its native waters, as government agencies and Trout Unlimited provided it with places to live that are free from more aggressive newcomers. By 1978 its status had improved from "endangered" to "threatened." State wildlife officials hope that if the greenback continues to prosper it can eventually be removed from the "threatened" list.

Today, the greenback cutthroat can be found in some four dozen bodies of water around the state, including several lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park. A good place in the national park to see the greenback cutthroat close-up is from the boardwalks through the Beaver Ponds on Trail Ridge Road.

Although the greenback's designation as official state fish does not provide any additional protection, Division of Wildlife officials say it strengthens the public's willingness to protect the fish, and encourages anglers to throw it back if they catch it, as should be the rule with any threatened species.