Several Western states have removed fishing limits at selected reservoirs as severe drought conditions threaten water supplies and fish survival. Officials say many reservoirs may run dry before the end of summer, leaving fish with little chance of survival.
Wildlife agencies in Oregon, Colorado, and Utah have taken unusual steps to allow anglers to catch more fish than normal. Officials say the move is meant to make use of fish populations before shrinking reservoirs create deadly conditions.
In Oregon, state officials removed fishing limits at the Thief Valley, Pilcher Creek, and Wolf Creek reservoirs. These reservoirs depend on water from the Powder River, which flows into the Snake River system in the northeastern part of the state.
Fish experts expect water levels at these reservoirs to drop sharply during the coming months. Some areas may shrink into isolated ponds. As water disappears, fish could become trapped in small pools where warm temperatures and low oxygen levels make survival difficult.
State fish biologists said they acted early because drought forecasts showed serious risks ahead. Officials wanted anglers to have the opportunity to harvest fish before conditions worsen.
The Thief Valley Reservoir has already shown how severe the situation can become. The reservoir dried up in 2024, leaving many fish stranded. Experts expect similar conditions this year. Fish that remain after water levels fall may become trapped in mud or isolated pools before eventually dying.
Colorado has faced similar challenges. Earlier this spring, officials approved a temporary period of unlimited fishing at the Antero Reservoir. The reservoir is located along the South Platte River system and has been heavily stocked with sportfish in recent years.
Since 2020, about five million fish, mostly trout, have been added to the reservoir. Under normal rules, anglers can keep only a limited number of trout each day. However, those limits were suspended as water managers prepared to drain the reservoir.
Denver Water is lowering water levels at Antero Reservoir to reduce water loss from evaporation. Because the reservoir is shallow and wide, it loses more water to evaporation than other parts of the system. By moving water elsewhere, managers expect to save a large amount of water during the drought.
The period of unlimited fishing has now ended, and public access to the reservoir has been closed. Water levels continue to fall as the transfer operation moves forward.
Wildlife officials are trying to protect some fish before the reservoir becomes too low. Biologists have used barriers to guide fish into certain areas. They may later use fish rescue methods to move some fish to other waters.
Even so, officials acknowledge that many fish are unlikely to survive. Some will remain in the reservoir after water levels drop. These fish may eventually become food for birds of prey, raccoons, coyotes, and other wildlife.
Utah has also increased the number of fish that anglers may keep from two reservoirs. The changes affect the Crouse Reservoir and the Nine Mile Reservoir. State officials say the actions are necessary because drought conditions continue to reduce available water.
The drought has been driven in part by very low snowpack across the West. Snowmelt normally provides a large share of the region’s water supply. This year, however, snow levels were far below normal.
Several Western states recorded some of their lowest snowpack levels on record. Colorado reported drought conditions across the entire state. Large areas experienced extreme or exceptional drought. Oregon also saw widespread drought, with most snow-monitoring locations reporting very low levels.
Scientists warn that climate change may make these problems more common in the future. Research suggests that warming temperatures will continue to reduce mountain snowpack over time. Less snow means less runoff, lower reservoir levels, and greater pressure on water supplies.
As summer approaches, wildlife agencies and water managers are preparing for difficult months ahead. Their actions reflect the growing challenge of balancing water needs, fish conservation, and drought management across the American West.
