Fishing Closures
Per CPW Regulations, the Director may authorize emergency closure of fishing waters in the state when it is determined that environmental conditions in these waters are such that fishing could result in unacceptable levels of fish mortality. Additionally, CPW may initiate a voluntary fishing closure where the agency asks anglers to find alternative places to fish until conditions improve. When such determination has been made, public notice will be given, including posting at the relevant water.
The criteria for any potential action may include:
- Daily maximum water temperatures > 71°F
- Stream flows ≤ 50% of the daily average flow
- Fish condition visibly deteriorating
- Daily dissolved oxygen < 6 parts per million
- Natural or man-caused environmental event has occurred
Please be aware that CPW considers the criteria above along with other factors in determining the need for a mandatory (emergency) or voluntary fishing closure. Meeting one or more thresholds does not necessarily result in implementation of a fishing closure.
Please refer to the Fishing Closure Decision Tree for more information on how those decisions are made.
