MONTEZUMA COUNTY, Colo. — In response to a dam malfunction at Summit Reservoir, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has authorized an emergency public fish salvage, effective Thursday, July 10. The move comes as a malfunctioning headgate valve causes uncontrolled drainage, threatening the survival of fish in the reservoir.
“Because of the rapid drawdown, accessing whatever dead pool remains to salvage fish alive to stock elsewhere is going to be extremely difficult,” said Jim White, CPW’s Southwest Region Senior Aquatic Biologist.
Rapid Water Loss Puts Fish at Risk
Water levels are dropping fast due to the headgate’s inability to close, leaving fish without adequate habitat. CPW has called on the public to assist in harvesting the fish before conditions become unsalvageable.
Public Salvage Rules
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Bag and possession limits are suspended — anglers may keep as many fish as they can catch.
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Only legal angling methods are allowed.
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2025 Colorado fishing license is required to participate.
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Commercial angling remains prohibited.
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Anglers may use up to two rods.
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Transporting live fish from the reservoir to other waters is illegal.
White recommends focusing efforts near the dam, where fish will concentrate as the reservoir empties.
CPW Monitoring & Future Plans
CPW will continue to update the public as the situation unfolds. Once water levels are restored, CPW plans to restock the reservoir, but for now, all efforts are on preserving as much aquatic life as possible.
“The dead pool area where fish will be salvageable will be near the dam,” White added.
Anglers are urged to act quickly and responsibly during this salvage event, navigating muddy terrain and shifting waterlines as they try to save what they can from this unexpected environmental emergency.
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