Fish salvage begins at two Colorado reservoirs ahead of public closure

Colorado Parks and Wildlife has moved to salvage fish from Adobe Creek Reservoir (Blue Lake) and Thurston Reservoir ahead of their public closure on July 15, when the Fort Lyon Canal Company's recreational lease ends. The salvage allows all legal angling methods, including nets, traps, snagging and gigs, archery gear, unlimited rods, trot lines, and jugs, with bag limits suspended and the need for a valid Colorado fishing license remaining in effect. CPW staff have begun transporting sport fish to other southeast reservoirs to preserve the resource, a move described by Area Wildlife Manager Todd Marriott as ensuring the public's investment in fisheries is protected. The two reservoirs regularly drew anglers for species such as catfish, crappie, saugeye, and walleye, and officials intend to remove a boat ramp and other facilities by the lease's end as part of the closure. CPW notes taxpayers have supported these fisheries, and the salvage seeks to maximize public benefit while maintaining resource health.