COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE

GYPSUM, Colo. - Colorado Parks and Wildlife Gypsum Ponds renovation project is set to begin at Gypsum Ponds State Wildlife Area in the fall of 2024. During construction, the SWA and the road leading to the ponds will be closed to vehicles and the ponds will be closed to all visitors, but anglers will be able to walk the road and access the river on foot.  People accessing the property on foot should be cognizant of the heavy equipment traffic on the road.  The construction work is expected to start in Sept. and last about two months.

CPW will improve water control structures on the upper and lower ponds allowing for better control of water levels.  While the ponds are lowered, CPW will use the opportunity to address the invasion of undesirable aquatic nuisance species that have impacted fishing opportunities in the ponds.  

“We recognize this is a popular fishing spot for local and visiting anglers,” said Kendall Bakich, Glenwood Springs Area Aquatic Biologist. “This is why we feel it is important to get this information out well before this project begins. Ultimately, we hope the short-term inconvenience will be outweighed by the improved fishing opportunities for anglers for years to come.”

Updates on construction, including an exact start date, will be provided later this summer.  Anglers looking for an alternative location to fish can contact the CPW Glenwood Springs Office at  970-947-2920 or consult our 2024 Fishing Brochure. 

To learn more about Gypsum Ponds State Wildlife Area, visit our website.