Keith Lusher 08.12.25
Colorado Parks and Wildlife has issued an emergency public fish salvage at Summit Reservoir in Montezuma County, urging anglers to harvest as many fish as possible before a dam malfunction drains the lake completely.
The crisis began July 5 when personnel at the Summit Reservoir and Irrigation Company were unable to close an outlet valve on the 98-year-old dam. Officials suspect debris is blocking the outlet, but low water levels and poor visibility make underwater inspection too dangerous for divers.
“Because of the rapid drawdown, accessing whatever dead pool remains to salvage fish alive to stock elsewhere is going to be extremely difficult,” said Jim White, senior aquatic biologist for CPW’s Southwest Region. “The public salvage is being announced in order to optimize use of the fishery resource in accordance with Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission regulations.”
Abundant Fish Species Available
The reservoir supports many species of fish including channel catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, perch, and rainbow trout. All species are available for harvest during the emergency salvage period.
Summit Reservoir captures water from Turkey Creek, Joe Moore Reservoir, and the Lost Canyon irrigation ditch as part of a larger system that typically distributes 5,000 to 7,000 acre-feet of water annually to area farms and ranches. The reservoir was not at full capacity when the leak began.
Special Harvest Regulations
All bag and possession limits have been suspended for the duration of the salvage, allowing anglers to keep every fish they catch. Participants may also use two rods simultaneously rather than the standard single-rod restriction.
Anglers must possess a valid 2025 Colorado fishing license and employ only lawful fishing methods currently permitted at the reservoir. Commercial fishing remains prohibited, and state law continues to forbid capturing and transporting live fish between water bodies.
Strategic Fishing Locations
Wildlife officials recommend concentrating fishing efforts near the dam where the deepest remaining water will provide the best opportunities as levels continue dropping.
“The dead pool area where fish will be salvageable will be near the dam,” White explained. “We recommend anglers utilize that area to avoid slogging through the mud.”
The exposed lake bottom presents serious hazards as extremely treacherous mud conditions develop around the receding shoreline.
Timeline and Future Plans
Colorado Parks and Wildlife has not specified an end date for the emergency salvage but will post notices and signage at the Summit Reservoir State Wildlife Area when the operation concludes. The facility is located approximately nine miles northwest of Mancos.
According to the irrigation company board meeting minutes from July 9, immediate repairs are planned rather than complete dam replacement, which would exceed $1 million. The repair cost is estimated at $96,500.
Water distribution to agricultural customers ceased Friday following a three-day notice period. Customers were advised earlier this week to fill private ponds to capacity, with no fall livestock water deliveries planned.
Once repairs are completed and the reservoir refills, Colorado Parks and Wildlife will restock the fishery. This emergency salvage represents a unique opportunity for southwestern Colorado anglers to assist wildlife management efforts while taking advantage of exceptional fishing opportunities before this resource is temporarily lost.
Trending Products
