Construction prompts emergency fish salvage at Narraguinnep Reservoir in Montezuma County

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

Aug. 13, 2025

CORTEZ, Colo. – Colorado Parks and Wildlife has announced an emergency public fish salvage effective Wednesday, Aug. 13 at Narraguinnep Reservoir in Montezuma County.

Montezuma Valley Irrigation Company has hired a contractor to begin modifications to the left abutment of Narraguinnep Dam. Work will begin Aug. 18 and is scheduled to be completed in early December.

In order to complete construction, the reservoir was drawn down. This has resulted in poor water quality conditions and loss of refuge habitat for fish. Under these conditions, a viable fishery cannot be maintained until the reservoir is refilled.

CPW is also unable to move any of the fish from Narraguinnep Reservoir to any other neighboring bodies of water.

“The public salvage is being announced in order to optimize use of the fishery resource in accordance with Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission regulations,” said CPW Southwest Region Senior Aquatic Biologist Jim White. “Muddy conditions are expected around the shoreline as the lake drains. Anglers should use caution approaching the lake’s edge.”

The reservoir is located at CPW’s Narraguinnep Reservoir State Wildlife Area, roughly 11 miles north of Cortez. Narraguinnep provides a wide range of fishing opportunities for species including bass, crappie, northern pike, perch and walleye.

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.

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

The dam is operated by Montezuma Valley Irrigation Company. As part of the project, concrete work will also be done surrounding the rock outcropping between the boat ramp and the dam. Drains will also be installed on the downstream side of the dam.  

MVIC has closed the parking lot to Narraguinnep SWA from Colorado State Highway 184. Access to the reservoir will be available from County Road 23. While the boat ramp is closed, hand-launched vessels are still allowed on the reservoir. There will be limited parking.

The reservoir will be drained over the course of the next month or two. That will allow MVIC irrigators to have a chance to use the water. No drastic daily changes in lake elevation are expected.

CPW will issue a notice when the salvage operation ends. Signs will also be posted at the lake. The public is advised to follow all closures. 

When repairs are completed and the reservoir regains adequate water in 2026, CPW will begin to restock the reservoir.

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