CPW lifts all Southwest voluntary fishing closures after rain and cooler water

Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s Southwest Region has rescinded voluntary fishing closures on 11 river sections, effective immediately Sept. 30. CPW said recent rains and cooler temperatures eased heat-and-drought stress that had pushed many waters into afternoon or full-day voluntary closes since early July.

Waters back to normal fishing include stretches of the Animas, Cochetopa Creek, Conejos, Dolores, Gunnison (two sections), Lake Fork of the Gunnison, Rio Grande, South Fork of the Rio Grande, San Juan through Pagosa Springs, and Tomichi Creek. Flows and temperatures improved enough that CPW thanked anglers and guides for giving fish a break when water topped 70°F and flows hit historic lows.

One important reminder stays in place: kokanee take is still prohibited in the Gunnison River above the Blue Mesa standing-water line until Nov. 1 while fish migrate toward Roaring Judy Hatchery. Anglers who encounter kokanee should handle them carefully and get them back in the water quickly.

This is a The Gillnet news desk summary, not a reprint.

Source: Colorado Parks and Wildlife — CPW lifts all voluntary fishing closures in the Southwest Region (Sept. 30, 2026).