Colorado Trout Fishing Closures 2025: Officials Announce Emergency Salvage Effort

Colorado Trout Fishing Closures 2025 have been announced as Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) puts new restrictions in place this week. Drought conditions, high temperatures, and low water levels are creating serious challenges for fish survival across the state. In its official announcement, CPW detailed the voluntary closures on the White and Crystal Rivers. While certain stretches of rivers are now closed to protect stressed trout, anglers are also being encouraged to take home as many fish as possible from a rapidly draining reservoir. For those planning future trips, make sure your paperwork is in order with the latest Colorado fishing licenses.

Source: official CPW announcement

Biologists with CPW report that cold-water species, particularly trout, are struggling in parts of the White and Crystal Rivers in northwestern Colorado. With snowmelt tapering off and summer heat driving river temperatures above 70 degrees, Colorado trout fishing restrictions 2025 were implemented to protect these vulnerable fish populations. Trout face dangerously low oxygen levels and extreme stress when caught and released in warm water. For more tips on safe catch-and-release and species-specific advice, check out our freshwater fishing guides. Rainbow Trout are especially sensitive to warm-water stress — the USGS Rainbow Trout fact sheet provides background on their biology and habitat needs.

“Closures are never taken lightly,” said CPW Northwest Region Senior Aquatic Biologist Ben Felt. “But once conditions reach thresholds that put fish health at risk, we have to act quickly.”

The Crystal River fishing closure is an all-day restriction over a five-mile section south of Carbondale until conditions improve. CPW urges anglers to fish only during the early morning hours statewide when waters are coolest, and to release trout quickly to give them the best chance of survival. Carrying a stream thermometer and stopping at 70°F is strongly recommended.

The White River fishing restrictions in Colorado run from 2 p.m. to midnight daily, covering stretches in Rio Blanco County: the North Fork (White River National Forest boundary to the confluence), the South Fork (boundary to the confluence), and the main stem downstream to County Road 5. These “hoot-owl” hours reduce angling pressure during the hottest part of the day when trout mortality risk is highest.

According to CPW, anglers should fish only during the early morning hours statewide when waters are coolest, and release trout quickly to give them the best chance of survival.

At the same time, CPW has authorized an emergency Narraguinnep Reservoir fish salvage north of Cortez. The irrigation company managing the lake is draining it for dam repairs, leaving no chance for long-term fish survival. Bag and possession limits are temporarily lifted, meaning anglers can use all legal methods to harvest bass, crappie, pike, perch, and walleye. Because these are mostly non-native warm-water species, CPW will not relocate the fish. The reservoir’s boat ramp is closed, and officials caution anglers about deep mud and unstable shoreline conditions. This follows a similar salvage at Summit Reservoir earlier in the summer.

“Between drought and wildfire impacts, fish on the Western Slope are facing tough odds,” said CPW spokesperson John Livingston.

Trout are cold-water specialists, thriving between 50–60°F. Once water climbs past 68°F, oxygen levels decline as metabolism speeds up, creating a dangerous mismatch between energy use and oxygen supply. At ~71°F, trout can quickly reach lethal stress levels. Closures in Colorado are triggered when water temperatures reach 71°F or flows fall below 50% of the seasonal average To better understand what trout need to thrive, the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department explains what makes good trout habitat.

At the same time, CPW has authorized an emergency fish salvage at Narraguinnep Reservoir north of Cortez. This salvage is directly connected to the same conditions that prompted Colorado Trout Fishing Closures 2025, as drought and high heat continue to impact waterways across the Western Slope.

Because these are mostly non-native warm-water species, CPW will not relocate the fish. The reservoir’s boat ramp is also closed, and officials caution anglers about deep mud and unstable shoreline conditions.

This marks the second salvage operation in Montezuma County this summer. In July, Summit Reservoir was similarly drained after its headgate failed, forcing CPW to lift fishing limits there as well.

Fishery managers emphasize that these measures, though disruptive to anglers, are necessary for conservation. By reducing pressure on stressed trout populations and salvaging fish that cannot survive reservoir drawdowns, Colorado Trout Fishing Closures 2025 highlight how critical it is for anglers to adapt to changing conditions. To see how other anglers are adapting during challenging conditions, explore our Slab Shots community highlights.

“Anglers are key partners in conserving our fisheries,” said Meeker Area Aquatic Biologist Gage Dean. “By following closures and salvage orders, we ensure these waters remain productive for generations to come.”

Currently, CPW has issued voluntary closures, meaning anglers are asked to avoid fishing in the listed stretches but are not legally prohibited. However, officials note that if conditions worsen, they may move to mandatory closures where enforcement officers can issue citations. CPW says it relies heavily on angler cooperation and education, stressing that voluntary compliance has been effective in the past.

Aside from respecting closures, anglers can take additional steps to reduce fish stress during the summer. Using barbless hooks, landing fish quickly, and keeping them submerged while unhooking can all improve survival odds. CPW also recommends carrying a thermometer and stopping fishing whenever waters hit 70 degrees, even outside official closure zones.

This is not the first time CPW has taken such action. In previous summers, sections of the Yampa, Eagle, and Gunnison Rivers also faced closures due to drought and heat. Wildlife managers emphasize that these patterns may continue as climate variability increases, making responsible angling practices even more critical for long-term fishery health.

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