The section of the Colorado River between the Colorado Highway 9 bridge in Kremmling downstream to the Colorado Highway 13 bridge in Rifle is now under a Voluntary Fishing Closure effective July 7th, 2021. The voluntary closure will remain in effect until further notice, with a possibility of a mandatory emergency closure to all fishing if conditions worsen.
The closure is a result of dwindling flows from the ongoing drought, which has caused the river’s temperatures to rise to levels dangerous to trout.
According to CPW, “The USGS gauge on the Colorado River at Catamount Bridge typically measures between 1,500 and 2,000 cubic feet per second (cfs). The gauge has been measuring 600 – 700 cfs, about half what is historically expected there. The USGS gauge on the Colorado River near Dotsero is running at 1,250 cfs, down from an expected 3,000 – 4,000 cfs.”
“We know that anglers care deeply about this fishery,†said CPW Aquatic Biologist Lori Martin. “We need their help to conserve this resource.â€
Read the full press release from Colorado Parks and Wildlife, here.
Before you fish anywhere in Colorado this summer, especially on the Western Slope, please take a look at this CPW River Conditions Guide that is updated regularly regarding fishing closures and water temperatures.