New voluntary fishing closure on Gunnison River above Blue Mesa Reservoir
The Gunnison River above Blue Mesa Reservoir is pictured in low-flow conditions Thursday, Aug. 6.
CPW photos
GUNNISON, Colo. – Colorado Parks and Wildlife will implement an additional voluntary closure on a stretch of the Gunnison River effective immediately Friday, Aug. 7.
The voluntary closure will be in place from noon to midnight each day on an 11-mile stretch of the Gunnison River from the U.S. Highway 50 bridge to the Blue Mesa Reservoir standing water line at the Colorado State Highway 149 bridge. The closure will remain in place until further notice.
“Flows from Taylor Reservoir are going to be cut by 100 cubic feet per second between now and Aug. 12,” said CPW aquatic biologist Giulio Del Piccolo. “The Gunnison River at the Highway 50 bridge is currently flowing at around 330 cfs, which is around 50% of the median and water temperatures are peaking in the high 60's on hot days. We are implementing this closure proactively as river conditions are expected to decline further, particularly in the lower part of the reach.”
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: See a list of all fishing closures in place in Colorado.
During the warm summer months, rivers with unusually low flows can experience wide daily water temperature fluctuations, reaching their maximum temperatures in the late afternoon. By implementing a voluntary half-day closure rather than a full day, anglers can still enjoy time on the water in the morning when water temperatures are suitable without stressing fish in the afternoon.
CPW asks anglers to be part of the solution by adhering to voluntary fishing closures in the hopes of avoiding mandatory closures on fisheries throughout the summer.
This section of the Gunnison River is heavily fished, and CPW wants to thank local guides and anglers who have already chosen to refrain from fishing during afternoon hours.
“This section is an important asset to the local community, and we understand that the current drought is limiting angling options and outfitter opportunities,” Del Piccolo said. “This voluntary closure is a great chance for the anglers and recreators who value this river to give it a break and allow it to recover.”
LISTEN: Colorado Outdoors Podcast Episode 3.4 - Fishing Colorado in the 2026 Drought
While this closure brings the state to 646 miles of river or stream with voluntary or mandatory closures in place, Colorado offers 6,156 flowing waters totaling 44,368 miles in addition to more than 1,300 lakes.
CPW may enact mandatory fishing closures when any of the following criteria are met:
- Daily maximum water temperature exceeds 71 degrees.
- Streamflow drops to 50% or less of the daily average.
- Fish condition deteriorates, showing visible signs of fungus or stress.
- Daily minimum dissolved oxygen levels fall below 6 parts per million.
Water temperatures and river flows fluctuate during the summer, creating dangerous conditions for trout and other fish. When water temperatures reach 71 degrees or higher or when flows drop below 50% of the average daily flow, fish struggle to recover after being caught and released.
CPW recommends anglers fish early in the day to avoid peak afternoon temperatures. Anglers should use a handheld thermometer to test water conditions and move to cooler, higher-elevation waters once temperatures approach 71 degrees.
To reduce fish stress, CPW advises anglers to:
- Use heavier tippet and line to land fish quickly.
- Wet hands before handling any fish.
- Keep fish submerged in the water while unhooking and releasing them.
- Avoid removing fish from the water for photographs.
- Avoid overcrowded areas and have an alternative fishing location planned.
Colorado offers unrivaled opportunities to fish for over 35 species, including both warm and cold-water fish, in some of the most scenic bodies of water. Licensed fishing is permitted on more than 6,000 miles of streams and over 1,300 lakes and reservoirs. Those looking for other fishing opportunities this summer can use CPW Fishing Atlas to easily locate prime fishing areas. Whether you're interested in exploring alpine lakes with their cooler waters or seeking warmwater fishing opportunities, Colorado has something to offer for every fishing enthusiast.
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