Colorado lifts all limits at Lakewood's Smith Reservoir in an emergency fish salvage

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) declared an emergency public fish salvage at Smith Reservoir in Lakewood on Oct. 30, effective immediately. The agency says seasonal drawdowns put the fishery at risk of imminent loss.

All bag and possession limits are lifted. Anglers can harvest largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch and green sunfish.

Fishing is allowed only from shore, from 6 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. or dusk, whichever comes first. Lakewood Parks and Recreation controls access to the property. Motorized boats, wading and commercial fishing are not allowed. Anglers still need a valid Colorado fishing license and must use legal methods.

CPW keeps an updated list of drought-related closures and restrictions on its website, and its Fishing Atlas shows closures and other places to fish.

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

Source: Colorado Parks and Wildlife: CPW enacts emergency public fish salvage for Smith Reservoir (Oct. 30, 2026).