CPW opens public fish salvage at Hugo Ponds ahead of habitat work

Colorado Parks and Wildlife opened a public fish salvage at Hugo Ponds on Hugo State Wildlife Area in Lincoln County beginning Sept. 1, 2026. Kiowa County Press, citing CPW, says the salvage is authorized under Parks and Wildlife Commission Regulation 104.G ahead of aquatic habitat maintenance that will temporarily drain several ponds — the next phase after a road improvement meant to cut sediment.

Hugo SWA covers about 2,000 acres with 19 warmwater ponds holding bass, bluegill, green sunfish, crappie, and catfish. The property also offers dove hunting and limited deer and pronghorn. Tyler Kersey, CPW Assistant Area Wildlife Manager, called Hugo one of the most important eastern Colorado fisheries.

During the salvage, a valid Colorado fishing license is required. Size, bag, and possession limits are suspended at Hugo Ponds SWA until CPW lifts the salvage. Only currently legal angling methods are allowed. Transporting live fish between waters remains illegal. A salvage notice is posted, and CPW will announce the end date. Nearby Kinney Lake SWA offers similar warmwater fishing.

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

Source: Kiowa County Press — Colorado Parks and Wildlife opens public fish salvage at Hugo Ponds beginning September 1 (Sept. 1, 2026, citing CPW).