Colorado approves fish 'salvage' at 3 reservoirs facing imminent drainage

Colorado wildlife authorities approved emergency fish salvages at three reservoirs facing imminent drainage, driven by low snowpack and drought conditions. Colorado Parks and Wildlife said the action lifts usual fishing restrictions at the affected sites, aiming to mitigate fish loss by giving anglers additional opportunities before water levels deteriorate. Under the plan, bag and possession limits would be removed and all “legal methods” of taking would be permitted, while commercial fishing, casting a net, and seining with vertical nets with floats remain prohibited. Authorities also reiterated that anglers cannot transport live fish from one body of water to another. The emergency measures take effect immediately at Wahatoya Reservoir in Huerfano County, where the City of Walsenburg is drawing down the reservoir for municipal needs, and at Mountain Home Reservoir State Wildlife Area in Costilla County near Fort Garland, where Trinchera Irrigation Company is draining water for irrigation and the boat ramp will soon be unavailable.