Colorado Parks and Wildlife lifts Crystal River closure, keeps White River closure

Colorado Parks and Wildlife lifted the full-day voluntary fishing closure on the Crystal River Thursday, Oct. 16, due to increased flow conditions.

The closure was put in place on Aug. 13 to protect fish and minimize fish mortality due to extreme low flow conditions, according to a press release.

“We want to thank anglers for their support and for going to alternative locations to fish during the voluntary closure of the Crystal River,” Kendall Bakich, an aquatic biologist with CPW, said in the release. “This support is crucial for protecting and conserving fish populations for future generations.”

On Aug. 15, CPW also implemented voluntary fishing closures from 2 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. on the following sections of the White River:

• The North Fork White River from the White River National Forest boundary downstream to the confluence with the South Fork White River
• The South Fork White River from the White River National Forest boundary downstream to the confluence with the North Fork White River
• The White River from the confluence of the North Fork White River and the South Fork White River downstream to County Road 5

While CPW’s voluntary closure on the Crystal River is lifted, the additional voluntary closures on the White River in Rio Blanco County and the Yampa River remain in place until further notice, based on water quality concerns associated with the Lee and Elk fires. 

“CPW asks the public to comply with these voluntary fishing closures for the long term benefit of the fishery,” the press release states. Anglers are encouraged to visit CPW’s website at cpw.state.co.us/fishing or call local CPW offices at cpw.state.co.us/contact-us to learn about destination water conditions before traveling.