Colorado Parks and Wildlife lifted its voluntary fishing closure on the Arkansas River tailwater in Pueblo effective Thursday, ending a restriction that had been in place since August 6.

CPW had asked anglers to avoid fishing the reach between Pueblo Boulevard East and the river's confluence with Fountain Creek from noon to midnight after low flows and high water temperatures created difficult conditions for fish, particularly during catch-and-release. Cooler temperatures and increased precipitation have since improved conditions.

"We appreciate the anglers and guides who gave fish a break during this especially difficult summer," said Carrie Tucker, CPW aquatic biologist. "We are continuing to monitor river conditions, including potential low flows this fall and winter. There is a chance that another closure could be implemented in the future if conditions deteriorate."

CPW aquatic biologists will continue to monitor streamflows, water temperatures, and fish health. Anglers should check current conditions and fishing restrictions before traveling by visiting cpw.state.co.us/bodies-water-finder.