With low water levels and water temperatures consistently rising near 71 degrees, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has enacted a voluntary afternoon fishing closure for the Animas River through Durango, the San Juan River through Pagosa Springs and the Dolores River below McPhee Dam.
These voluntary fishing closures are in effect immediately as of Monday, July 13, and will remain in place daily from noon to midnight. Signage has been posted along the rivers. CPW will notify the public when the closure is lifted.
“Voluntary fishing closures help protect the fish during periods of elevated stress associated with reduced oxygen levels experienced during warmer summer months,” said CPW Aquatic Biologist Kade Jackson. “When water temperatures are elevated, there is a decrease in oxygen, making it more difficult for trout to recover after being caught, therefore increasing the likelihood of angling mortality.”
During the warm summer months, rivers with unusually low flows can experience wide daily water temperature fluctuations, reaching their maximum temperatures in the late afternoon. By implementing a voluntary half-day closure rather than a full day, anglers can still enjoy time on the water in the morning when water temperatures are suitable without stressing fish in the afternoon.
“I liken it to how nobody wants to be exercising outdoors when it’s over 100 degrees outside,” said CPW Southwest Region Senior Aquatic Biologist Jim White. “That’s kind of the same thing we’re imposing on these fish when folks are fishing when the water temperatures are that hot. When you’re fighting a fish, it could be comparable to going out for an intensive jog or sprint even. Alleviating that stress on the fish population is good practice.”
Temperatures are approaching 71 degrees in the Animas River and have surpassed 75 degrees in the Dolores and San Juan rivers. Nighttime and early morning water temperatures are trending upward, suggesting reduced thermal refuge and recovery periods for trout.
The Animas is flowing at 200 cubic feet per second (cfs), which is only 20 percent of its average. The San Juan is flowing at 7 percent of median flows at 30 cfs. McPhee Reservoir is currently releasing only 5 cfs into the Dolores River.
Access to the Dolores River below McPhee Dam, including the Lone Dome State Wildlife Area, is currently closed for the safety of the public and firefighting crews working on the Ferris Fire.
Water temperatures and river flows fluctuate during the summer, creating dangerous conditions for trout and other fish. When water temperatures reach 71 degrees or higher, or when flows drop below 50 percent of the average daily flow, fish struggle to recover after being caught and released.
CPW recommends that anglers fish early in the day to avoid peak afternoon temperatures. Anglers should use a handheld thermometer to test water conditions and move to cooler, higher-elevation waters once temperatures approach 71 degrees.
To reduce fish stress, CPW advises anglers to:
Colorado offers unrivaled opportunities to fish for more than 35 species, including both warm and cold-water fish, in some of the most scenic bodies of water. Licensed fishing is permitted on more than 6,000 miles of streams and over 1,300 lakes and reservoirs. Those looking for other fishing opportunities this summer can use CPW Fishing Atlas to easily locate prime fishing areas. Whether you're interested in exploring alpine lakes with their cooler waters or seeking warm-water fishing opportunities, Colorado has something to offer for every fishing enthusiast.
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