Emergency fish salvage underway in White River National Forest lake

DENVER (KDVR) — An emergency fish salvage is ongoing at the White River National Forest’s Meadow Creek Lake, located north of Rifle in Eagle County.

The salvage is intended to mitigate “imminent fish loss.” The lake is being drawn down to allow for modernization and upgrades to the dam’s outlet structure, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

Because of this, all bag and possession limits for anglers at the reservoir have been removed. Anglers can keep all fish they lawfully catch, although fishermen are reminded it’s illegal to transport live fish into other bodies of water.

CPW Director Jeff Davis authorized the salvage on Aug. 9 and will continue until further notice. All anglers ages 16 and above must have a valid 2024 Colorado fishing license.

The salvage only pertains to the Meadow Creek Lake. All existing regulations on surrounding streams above and below the reservoir remain.

CPW will restock the reservoir when repairs are completed and the reservoir refills.

Another fish salvage is also in effect for Gypsum Ponds State Wildlife Area , which is also in Eagle County.

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