Emergency fish salvage enacted at Summit Reservoir

John Livingston
Southwest Region Public Information Officer
970-759-9590 / [email protected]
@CPW_SW

MANCOS, Colo. - Colorado Parks and Wildlife has announced an emergency public fish salvage effective Thursday, July 10 at Summit Reservoir in Montezuma County.

The salvage is being implemented to mitigate imminent fish loss, as a problem with the headgate valve on the dam has prevented it from being closed and water is quickly escaping. 

The lake will need to be drawn down to a level where the headgate and outlet can be inspected. This will result in poor water quality conditions and loss of refuge habitat for fish, and CPW has determined the reservoir cannot maintain a viable fishery until the reservoir is refilled.

Because of the rapid drawdown, CPW has enacted an emergency public fish salvage.

“Because of the rapid drawdown, accessing whatever dead pool remains to salvage fish alive to stock elsewhere is going to be extremely difficult,” said CPW Southwest Region Senior Aquatic Biologist Jim White. “The public salvage is being announced in order to optimize use of the fishery resource in accordance with Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission regulations.”

The reservoir is located at CPW’s Summit Reservoir State Wildlife Area, roughly nine miles northwest of Mancos. Fishing opportunities include channel catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, perch and rainbow trout. 

The dam is operated by Summit Reservoir & Irrigation Company.

All bag and possession limits for the reservoir are removed for the duration of the salvage. Anglers can keep all of the fish they catch utilizing the lawful angling methods currently allowed at the lake. 

Anglers must have a valid 2025 Colorado fishing license. Commercial angling is not allowed as part of this salvage. Multiple rods up to two are authorized while the salvage order is in effect.

Anglers should note that it is illegal to capture and transport live fish from one body of water to another.

As the reservoir is drawn down, anglers should be advised that they will experience changing conditions and a muddy approach to the water.

“The dead pool area where fish will be salvageable will be near the dam,” White said. “We recommend anglers utilize that area to avoid slogging through the mud.”

CPW will issue a notice when the salvage operation ends. Signs will also be posted at the lake. CPW will restock the reservoir when there is adequate water restored.

Anglers seeking fishing opportunities in the immediate area will still find quality fisheries at Puett Reservoir State Wildlife Area, Mancos State Park, Narraguinnep SWA and McPhee Reservoir.