Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has declared a public fish salvage at Adobe Creek Reservoir (known as Blue Lake) and Thurston Reservoir from June 12 to July 15.

CPW said in a press release that the Fort Lyon Canal Company has formally notified the agency that the current recreational lease agreement will not be renewed. This will permanently end public access to the fisheries on the last day of the salvage.

“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, in the press release. “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.”

According to CPW, the reservoirs have drawn anglers from Colorado and Kansas for decades looking to catch catfish, crappie, saugeye, walleye, and other sportfish. The reservoirs are two of southeastern Colorado’s “few large warmwater fisheries.”

Fisheries staff with CPW have begun fish salvage operations. Sportfish will be relocated to other southeast reservoirs when practical, according to CPW. These efforts are to “preserve as much of the fishery resource as possible for Colorado anglers.” CPW is also evaluating the removal of infrastructure on the properties, including a boat ramp and other facilities, as some of the infrastructure has to be removed at the end of the lease.

Anglers must have a valid Colorado fishing license, but current size, bag, and possession limits are suspended for Abode Creek and Thurston reservoirs during the salvage. Authorized methods include all net and trap types, snagging and gigs, archery equipment, unlimited fishing rods, trot lines, and jugs.

Any changes to the salvage order, including closure of the public fish salvage, will be made through signs at the reservoirs and through CPW communication channels.

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