Emergency fish salvage in place at Lost Lake Slough near Crested Butte

10/04/24

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

CRESTED BUTTE, Colo. – Colorado Parks and Wildlife has implemented an emergency public fish salvage effective Friday, Oct. 4 at Lost Lake Slough, located roughly 15 miles west of Crested Butte.

The salvage will be in place to mitigate imminent fish loss, as the lake will be drained by the middle of October to allow the outlet valve to be surveyed on Oct. 23.

After the work is complete, the valve will be closed so that the reservoir can be refilled next spring during runoff.

This lake is regularly stocked with 4,000 catchable size rainbow trout each year.

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 2024 Colorado fishing license. Commercial angling is not allowed as part of this salvage.

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

The emergency salvage will be in place through April 1, 2025. When the reservoir regains adequate water, Colorado Parks and Wildlife will restock the reservoir.

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