Voluntary afternoon fishing closure begins on Pueblo's Ark tailwaters
PUEBLO, Colo. – Beginning today, Colorado Parks and Wildlife asks anglers to voluntarily avoid fishing a portion of the Arkansas River tailwater in Pueblo during the hottest part of the day as low flows and rising water temperatures create increasingly difficult conditions for trout.
The voluntary fishing closure is in effect daily, noon to midnight, until further notice on the Arkansas River from Pueblo Boulevard East downstream to where the river meets Fountain Creek. Aquatic biologists continue to evaluate river conditions and will modify or lift the voluntary closure as water temperatures, streamflows, and fish health improve.
Cold-water releases from Pueblo Reservoir continue to keep the upper tailwater cool enough for trout. Further downstream, lower flows and prolonged summer heat cause water temperatures to rise quickly. Recent monitoring shows the lower reach is now hitting temperatures where trout have difficulty recovering after being caught and released.
“The Arkansas River tailwater below Pueblo Reservoir is one of southern Colorado's most popular trout fisheries, and boasts trophy rainbow and brown trout,” states Carrie Tucker, CPW aquatic biologist.
"We're already seeing afternoon water temperatures in the lower reach approach levels where catch-and-release becomes much harder on trout, and their overall health is affected. Giving fish a break during the hottest part of the day can make a meaningful difference while still allowing anglers to enjoy quality fishing during the cooler morning hours," said Carrie Tucker. "We appreciate anglers and guides helping to protect this fishery by respecting the voluntary closure and using catch-and-release practices that reduce stress on fish until conditions improve."
Recent monitoring shows how quickly conditions change downstream from Pueblo Reservoir. Near the dam, afternoon water temperatures remained about 65 degrees. Near Dutch Clark, temperatures climbed above 73 degrees, and farther downstream near Moffat, they exceeded 80 degrees during the same afternoon sampling period.
As water warms, it holds less dissolved oxygen. Combined with reduced streamflows, those conditions make it harder for trout to recover after they're caught and released. As water temperatures approach or exceed 71 degrees, even a brief fight can significantly reduce a fish's chance of survival.
The voluntary closure is intended to reduce stress on trout during the warmest part of the day while preserving morning fishing opportunities. Colorado Parks and Wildlife aquatics biologists will continue monitoring river flows, water temperatures, and fish condition. If conditions continue to deteriorate, the voluntary closure area could be expanded or converted to a mandatory fishing closure.
CPW may enact mandatory fishing closures when any of the following criteria are met:
- Daily maximum water temperature exceeds 71 degrees.
- Streamflow drops to 50 percent or less of the daily average.
- Fish condition deteriorates, showing visible signs of fungus or stress.
- Daily minimum dissolved oxygen levels fall below 6 parts per million.
- Fish early when water temperatures are coolest. Carry a stream thermometer whenever possible, and consider moving to cooler, higher-elevation waters if temperatures approach 71 degrees.
- Use heavier tippet and line to land fish quickly.
- Wet hands before handling any fish.
- Keep fish submerged while removing the hook and releasing them.
- Leave fish in the water rather than lifting them out for photographs.
- Avoid overcrowded areas and have an alternative fishing destination planned.
Exploring Colorado Waters
Colorado offers anglers opportunities to fish for more than 35 species in more than 6,000 miles of streams and over 1,300 lakes and reservoirs. Anglers ages 16 and older must possess a valid Colorado fishing license. Additional fishing information, including license requirements, and additional fishing opportunities are online to help anglers locate waters throughout the state, including higher-elevation fisheries where cooler water temperatures may provide better fishing conditions during the summer.
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PHOTO CUTLINES: A voluntary fishing closure is in effect daily, noon to midnight daily until further notice on the Arkansas River from Pueblo Boulevard East downstream to where the river meets Fountain Creek. Cold-water releases from Pueblo Reservoir continue to keep the upper tailwater cool enough for trout. Downstream, lower flows and summer heat cause water temperatures to rise quickly and trout are have difficulty recovering after being caught and released. Aquatic biologists continue to evaluate conditions and and will modify the voluntary closure as water temperatures, streamflows, and fish health improve. CPW Photo/Katie Rohwer
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