Reduction in water levels to impact Kinney Lake State Wildlife Area
Kara Van Hoose
April 14, 2025
Reduction in water levels to impact Kinney Lake State Wildlife Area
HUGO, Colo. — Colorado Parks and Wildlife is conducting a repair project at Kinney Lake State Wildlife Area which will impact the water level and angling opportunities. Four feet of water must be drained from the lake to install a new outlet structure. Water levels could start decreasing as soon as this week. The lake will remain at the lower water level until the end of the year.
Hand-launched vessels will be allowed at Kinney Lake SWA, but visitors may have to walk through muddy conditions to reach the water. Shoreline fishing access and angling quality may be impacted. Overall fishery health should not be negatively impacted long-term. Spring trout stocking has been rerouted to nearby Hugo State Wildlife Area.
The outlet installation is the last step in a multi-year project to improve operations at Kinney Lake SWA. The structure will control water flow for the benefit of ducks, migratory birds, small game and big game wildlife species. Construction is expected to end by June 30.
The project is funded through the CPW Wetlands for Wildlife Program in partnership with Ducks Unlimited. Visitors must have a valid fishing license or State Wildlife Area pass. Questions about Kinney Lake SWA or the project can be directed to the CPW Colorado Springs Office at (719) 227-5200.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is an enterprise agency, relying primarily on license sales, state parks fees and registration fees to support its operations, including: 43 state parks and more than 350 wildlife areas covering approximately 900,000 acres, management of fishing and hunting, wildlife watching, camping, motorized and non-motorized trails, boating and outdoor education. CPW's work contributes approximately $6 billion in total economic impact annually throughout Colorado.
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