Recently, Colorado concluded an unrestricted fishing period at Antero Reservoir, where approximately 5 million sport fish, primarily trout, have been stocked since 2020. Learn more about the four-trout limits.
Managed by Denver Water, Antero Reservoir is now being drained for the summer to transfer water to another reservoir, minimizing evaporation losses. Antero Reservoir is shallow and wide, leading to the highest evaporation rates in the utility’s system. This water transfer is expected to save enough water to fill 2,500 Olympic swimming pools.
Kara Van Hoose, a spokeswoman for Colorado Parks and Wildlife Department, stated, “The public came and fished, but the area is currently closed. Drainage has commenced.”
Van Hoose added that fish biologists are employing screens to guide the remaining fish to designated areas of the reservoir. Future plans remain uncertain; however, biologists may utilize a technique called electrofishing to temporarily stun some fish and relocate them to other water bodies.
Even with these efforts, not all fish will reach you.
“When the reservoir runs dry, we’re left with fish, and it becomes a natural cycle of life. This serves as a vital food source for local raptors, coyotes, and raccoons,” explained Van Hoose.
Jason Connolly/AFP via Getty Images File
The last maintenance draining of Antero Reservoir occurred in 2015, during which Colorado Parks and Wildlife Department conducted a “fish recall.” The reservoir was also drained in 2002 due to a temporary fishing ban following drought conditions.
In Utah, regulations have also changed, increasing the number of fish individuals can harvest from two reservoirs: Claus Reservoir east of Salt Lake City and Nine Mile Reservoir to the south.
Research indicates that across the western region, snow runoff accounts for about 53% of the water supply. However, this year, most snowy coverage in western states has vanished by mid-May, according to the National Integrated Drought Information System.
Four states, including Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico, have reported their lowest peak snow levels on record. In Colorado, the entire state is facing drought, with about 40% experiencing severe drought conditions. “Extreme” or “exceptional” drought classifications have been recorded by the U.S. Drought Monitor.
As of mid-May, 62 of Oregon’s 73 snow stations were at or near historic lows, with approximately 96% of the state affected by drought, according to U.S. Drought Monitor.
The ongoing climate model predicts a long-term decline in snowfall as the impacts of climate change intensify.
Source: www.nbcnews.com
