Colorado Parks and Wildlife implements a full-day voluntary fishing closure on the Crystal River

Rachael Gonzales
Northwest Region Public Information Officer
970-773-8587 / [email protected]
Twitter: @CPW_NW
Colorado Parks and Wildlife implements a full-day voluntary fishing closure on the Crystal River

Aug. 15, 2025

GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. — Extreme low flow conditions have prompted Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) to implement a new voluntary fishing closure on the Crystal River. 

Effective Friday, Aug. 15, CPW is implementing a voluntary full-day fishing closure between mile marker 64 on Highway 133 and the confluence of the Crystal and Roaring Fork rivers until further notice.

“CPW takes implementing fishing closures very seriously,” said Northwest Region Senior Aquatic Biologist Ben Felt. “Closures, voluntary or mandatory, are implemented once river conditions meet a threshold where fish health is impacted. Typically, these closures are implemented when water temperatures are high and stream or river flows are low.”

Water temperatures and river flows fluctuate over the summer, at times creating dangerous conditions for trout and other fish. When water temperatures reach 71°F or above, or when flows drop below 50% of average, it becomes more difficult for fish to recover following being caught by anglers. River temperatures are monitored throughout Colorado's rivers using temperature loggers. The loggers record the water temperature every 15 minutes, and are reviewed by CPW staff regularly. This data, in addition to other factors, is used to determine the need for voluntary fishing closures.

CPW appreciates continued cooperation from the angling community during these voluntary fishing closures to help conserve these fish populations into the future.

Anglers are encouraged to comply with voluntary closures. When fishing stretches that are not closed, anglers are encouraged to help CPW protect these valuable resources by keeping the following tips in mind.

• Fish early in the morning when water temperatures are cooler.

• Bring a thermometer with you to take temperature readings throughout the morning. As temperatures approach 71°F, it’s time to call it a day. 

• Wet your hands before handling any fish you catch

• Keep fish submerged when removing the hook, and avoid taking photos to ensure a quick release. 

• Take your fishing trip to new heights by fishing in lakes and streams located at higher elevations.

In addition to the full-day voluntary closure on the Crystal River, CPW reminds anglers that a voluntary fishing closure remains in place on the Yampa River from the Chuck Lewis State Wildlife Area to the western edge of Steamboat Springs town limits.

Anglers are encouraged to visit CPW’s website or call local CPW offices to learn about destination water conditions before traveling.