In a decisive measure to avert an urgent fishery crisis, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has triggered an emergency public fish salvage at Montezuma County's Summit Reservoir. This action, which took effect Thursday, July 10, comes in response to a malfunctioning headgate valve on the dam that has led to the uncontrolled draining of the lake, as announced by Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
With water levels plummeting rapidly due to the incapacity of the headgate to close securely, the fish residing in the Summit Reservoir face an impending doom. CPW Southwest Region Senior Aquatic Biologist Jim White, as obtained by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, clarified the severity of the situation stating, "Because of the rapid drawdown, accessing whatever dead pool remains to salvage fish alive to stock elsewhere is going to be extremely difficult." The salvage attempts to seize this narrowing window of opportunity to rescue these aquatic lives by involving the public before their habitat deteriorates irreparably.
Anglers are to navigate changing terrains and potential muddiness as the reservoir continues its descent. They have been given carte blanche to harvest as many fish as they can, without the usual bag and possession limits, provided they employ lawful angling methods allowed at the lake. A 2025 Colorado fishing license remains a prerequisite for participation in the salvage efforts, while commercial angling remains off-limits. The use of up to two rods is permitted under the salvage order.
Regulations remain stringent on one front: the illegal transport of live fish from the reservoir to any other body of water. Adding to the logistical challenges, Jim White advised anglers to focus their efforts near the dam, saying, "The dead pool area where fish will be salvageable will be near the dam," as noted by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. For the duration of the emergency salvage, CPW promises to keep the public informed, restocking the reservoir upon the reestablishment of adequate water levels.
