With water levels slipping and a potential fish die-off looming later this season, Timnath officials have thrown open the gates at Timnath Reservoir to anyone with a rod and a valid license. The town, working with state wildlife managers, has launched an emergency fishing salvage so people can keep fish now instead of watching them die off in shallow, oxygen-starved water later.
What Anglers Need To Know
According to the Town of Timnath, the emergency public salvage lifts bag and possession limits at Timnath Reservoir and temporarily removes the usual shore and non-motorized watercraft permit requirements for anglers taking part.
Fishing is allowed daily from 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. or dusk, whichever comes first. Anyone hitting the water still needs a valid Colorado fishing license and must stick to lawful angling methods. The town also stresses that it is illegal to capture or move live fish from Timnath Reservoir to any other body of water.
Why Officials Are Racing The Clock
Timnath Reservoir is an irrigation impoundment, and every year, water levels drop to meet irrigation demand. That leaves behind shallow pockets of water that can lose oxygen in a hurry.
A 2023 fishery survey found that a major drawdown in fall 2022 likely caused a significant fish kill and left sport-fish numbers very low. The report recommended short-term “put-and-take” stocking instead of relying on a self-sustaining fishery, according to the 2023 Timnath Reservoir Fishery Survey. Town staff says letting anglers harvest fish now should cut down the size of any future die-off and lessen impacts on visitors and wildlife.
Other Reservoirs, Same Playbook
Timnath is not alone. Around Colorado, wildlife managers have been using the same emergency salvage tool this summer as drought conditions and operational drawdowns leave lakes and reservoirs in rough shape.
State officials have ordered an emergency salvage at Antero Reservoir, where biologists moved nearly 1,000 trout earlier this month, as reported by CBS News Colorado. Colorado Parks and Wildlife has also posted emergency salvage notices for other waters, including Nee Noshe on the eastern plains, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Those moves put Timnath’s decision squarely in a broader, statewide effort to head off mass fish kills this season.
Health And Safety Tips
The town notes that blue-green algae has shown up at the reservoir in past seasons. Anglers are advised to clean fish thoroughly, discard the guts, and keep pets and children away from any visible surface scum. The town’s reservoir guidance offers additional details.
Officials also remind anglers that, aside from the temporary suspension on bag and possession limits at Timnath Reservoir, they are still expected to follow all other Colorado Parks and Wildlife regulations and never transport live fish between water bodies.
The emergency public salvage will stay in place until Colorado Parks and Wildlife pulls the authorization. Town staff says updates will be posted on their website. The move has already drawn broader attention, with CBS News Colorado and other outlets highlighting the unusual “catch it while you can” season at Timnath Reservoir.
