Colorado Parks and Wildlife has approved emergency public fish salvages at three state properties, effective immediately, as drought and municipal water needs force reservoir drawdowns across the state.

Anglers age 16 and older must hold a valid 2026 Colorado fishing license. All bag and possession limits are lifted and all legal methods of take are permitted. Commercial angling, cast netting and seining are not allowed. It is illegal to capture and transport live fish from one body of water to another.

The three affected locations are:

• Wahatoya State Wildlife Area in Huerfano County — Wahatoya Reservoir is a coldwater fishery east of La Veta. The City of Walsenburg is drawing down the reservoir to meet municipal water needs. The reservoir's artificial fly and lure regulation is lifted to allow all bait excluding live bait fish. No live bait fish are allowed at elevations above 7,000 feet, and the use of live bait fish remains prohibited at this reservoir.
• Mountain Home Reservoir State Wildlife Area in Costilla County — Mountain Home Reservoir is a coldwater fishery near Fort Garland. The Trinchera Irrigation Company owns the water rights and is draining the reservoir due to drought and low snowpack for irrigation purposes. The boat ramp at the state wildlife area will soon be unavailable as reservoir levels decrease.
• Douglas Reservoir State Wildlife Area in Larimer County — Douglas Reservoir is a warmwater and coolwater fishery west of Wellington. Windsor Reservoir and Canal Company owns and operates the reservoir and is drawing it down primarily for irrigation demand. Boat ramp access may soon be closed due to low water levels. Douglas Reservoir is positive for Eurasian watermilfoil, an aquatic nuisance species. For current reservoir reports, call the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Fort Collins Office at 970-472-4300.

Anglers are urged to clean, drain and dry waders and gear after every trip, and to report any sightings of suspicious aquatic species to Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Species and stocking information is available on the CPW Fishing Atlas at cpw.state.co.us/activities/fishing/where-fish. Fishing licenses may be obtained at cpw.state.co.us/activities/fishing/fishing-licenses-and-dates. For summertime drought management information and a current list of closures, visit cpw.state.co.us/fishing.