Colorado races to save 1,000 trout before reservoir drainage begins

Colorado Parks and Wildlife has begun a major fish salvage at Antero Reservoir. The operation aims to relocate trout before the reservoir is drained as part of Denver Water’s plans. Over 1,000 fish have already been moved to new habitats. In April, officials approved the salvage to protect trout from the reservoir’s planned drainage. Denver Water is transferring the water to Cheesman Reservoir, as leaving it in Antero would have resulted in a 25% loss to evaporation. This move will preserve around 5,000 acres of water.

Aquatic biologists and Denver Water staff used electrofishing to capture the trout. They relocated 981 rainbow, brown, cutthroat, and hybrid trout to Eleven Mile Reservoir. The remaining fish were released into the South Fork South Platte River.

To support the salvage, bag and possession limits for all fish species at Antero Reservoir were temporarily lifted until May 13. Stocking operations will only resume once the reservoir is refilled. The salvage has successfully moved over 1,000 trout to safer waters. The operation ensures fish survival while Denver Water completes its drainage work. Stocking will restart after the reservoir’s water levels are restored.