What it is
When a reservoir is about to be drained or drop too low to keep fish alive, Colorado Parks and Wildlife can declare a public fish salvage. Bag and possession limits are lifted so anglers can keep fish that would otherwise die.
What still applies
- A valid Colorado fishing license for anglers 16 and older.
- Legal methods only. Read the notice, because some salvages ban cast nets or seines.
- Any limits on hours, shoreline-only rules or boats in the notice.
- No moving live fish to another water.
Why salvages fish well
As the water shrinks, fish crowd into the deepest remaining pocket, usually near the dam or outlet. Fish there slowly with bait under a bobber for panfish, or on the bottom for bass.
How to find them
CPW posts salvages in its news releases and on its drought closures list. They're short-lived, so when one opens, go that week.
Questions anglers ask
- Do I need a license during a fish salvage?
- Yes. Limits are lifted, but licensing and legal-method rules still apply.
Read next
Fishing Smith Reservoir in Lakewood
Fishing Smith Reservoir in Lakewood, Colorado: CPW's emergency fish salvage, species, rules, cold-water bait rigs and tips for bass and panfish.
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The Bobber and Bait Rig
The simplest, most effective panfish rig: hook, split shot, bobber and bait, plus depth, bait choice and cold-water tweaks.
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Catching Bass in Cold Water
Cold-water bass fishing made simple: where bass hold, slow bottom presentations, how to detect the bite and set the hook.
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