Emergency fish salvage allows anglers to keep catches at these Colorado spots

DENVER (KDVR) — Colorado Parks and Wildlife has implemented an emergency public fish salvage at two Colorado angling sites this month, meaning fishers can keep all the fish they catch there.

The purpose of an emergency public fish salvage is to help mitigate fish loss, according to CPW. When in effect, typical bag and possession limits are suspended so anglers can keep all of the fish that they lawfully catch.

To participate, anglers must have a valid, up-to-date Colorado fishing license, and commercial angling is not allowed.

Poudre Ponds emergency fish salvage

Now through Oct. 10, an emergency public fish salvage is in effect at Poudre Ponds in Greeley. The ponds are stocked with catchable rainbow trout, largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, black crappie, common carp and gizzard shad, according to CPW.

“Impending repair work and subsequent draining of the ponds by the City of Greeley may result in a loss of fish, and the public salvage will optimize the fishery resource,” CPW said in a release .

For this emergency fish salvage, fishing is only allowed during daylight hours. CPW said all legal fishing methods will be allowed except for the use of dip nets, seines and snagging.

Lost Lake Slough emergency fish salvage

An emergency fish salvage is in effect starting Friday at Lost Lake Slough, west of Crested Butte. This lake is stocked with 4,000 catchable-size rainbow trout each year, according to CPW.

CPW said the lake will be drained by mid-October so that the outlet valve can be surveyed on Oct. 23. After that, the valve will be closed so the reservoir can refill during runoff next spring.

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

The salvage will be in effect through April 1, 2025. CPW said it will restock the reservoir with more fish once it refills with enough water.

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