Fish salvage begins at two Colorado reservoirs ahead of public closure

Editor's note: On June 15, Fort Lyon Canal Company provided a response to the reservoir closure announcement, which is included below.

Public access to two reservoirs in Colorado ends next month when their recreational lease agreements end. Ahead of that, Colorado Parks and Wildlife has authorized a public fish salvage, expanding the methods anglers can use.

Adobe Creek Reservoir, locally known as Blue Lake, and Thurston Reservoir are popular locations for anglers looking for catfish, crappie, saugeye, walleye, and other sport fish. However, CPW says the Fort Lyon Canal Company has notified them that the recreational lease agreement will not be renewed, permanently ending public access to both on July 15.

"Together, Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the Fort Lyon Canal Company have provided recreational fishing at these two reservoirs since 1970 that generations of anglers have enjoyed," said Todd Marriott, CPW Area Wildlife Manager. "While we are disappointed we could not reach an agreement to continue that opportunity, our focus now is on conserving the fishery resource and ensuring Colorado anglers receive the greatest possible benefit from it."  

The impending end of the agreement prompted CPW to authorize a public fish salvage to maximize public use of the fishing resource. In addition to expanding allowed methods of take, bag and possession limits have been suspended at the Adobe Creek and Thurston Reservoirs. These changes are effective immediately and will last until the reservoirs close on July 15.

"We are allowing all legal angling methods, including all net and trap types, snagging and gigs, archery equipment, unlimited rods, trot lines and jugs," said Marriott. "Because the window to salvage these fish is limited, we want to maximize the ability of sportspeople to remove fish for their benefit while helping utilize the resource."  

Anglers are still required to possess a valid Colorado fishing license to participate. Allowed methods of take include:

• All net and trap types
• Snagging and gigs
• Archery equipment
• Unlimited fishing rods
• Trot lines
• Jugs

CPW staff have already begun salvage operations to transport sport fish to other reservoirs in the southeast. They hope to preserve as much of the fishery resource as possible. They said taxpayers have invested in these fisheries, and CPW is committed to protecting the public's investment.

They're also planning to remove a boat ramp and other facilities by the conclusion of the lease.

On Monday, the For Lyon Canal Company responded to the CPW announcement regarding the reservoir closures, stating that their primary function is to store and deliver water to agricultural producers served by the Fort Lyon Canal system.

"The Company understands that many sportsmen and women are disappointed by the end of public access at these reservoirs and does not take that disappointment lightly," the company said. "The decision not to renew the existing lease agreement was made only after careful consideration of the Company's obligations to its shareholders, operational needs, and long-term management responsibilities associated with these privately owned facilities."

They said the company provided substantial investments to construct, maintain and operate the reservoirs and argued that the current lease agreements didn't provide enough compensation for the value they provided. Despite negotiation efforts, Fort Lyon and CPW were unable to reach an agreement.

"The Company has invested more than $10 million in Adobe Creek Reservoir alone and continues to bear the costs and responsibilities associated with operating these facilities as critical components of its irrigation system. The compensation provided under the recreational lease did not reflect the value of the properties, the recreational opportunities being provided, or the operational obligations assumed by the Company. Fort Lyon therefore sought lease terms that more appropriately recognized those factors, but the parties were ultimately unable to reach a mutually acceptable agreement."

Fort Lyon said it is committed to being a responsible steward of its land and water resources and will work with CPW as the current lease comes to an end.

They also thanked CPW and the public, stating, "Fort Lyon Canal Company appreciates the many anglers, hunters, and outdoor enthusiasts who have enjoyed these reservoirs over the years and thanks Colorado Parks and Wildlife for its longstanding partnership."