Colorado Parks and Wildlife is releasing water from two ponds at Mueller State Park near Divide in response to ongoing drought conditions and Colorado water law requirements, significantly reducing fishing opportunities at those locations for the remainder of the season.

Most water has already been released from Geer Pond, a backcountry fishing location that primarily supports cutthroat trout. Visitors hiking to the pond should expect to find primarily a dry pond bed with only a small amount of water remaining.

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At Dragonfly Pond, located along the park's main road and popular for children's fishing and educational programs, staff will release approximately three feet of water in the weeks ahead. As water levels drop, temperatures are expected to rise and create conditions unsuitable for the rainbow trout stocked there. A fish salvage is not planned, as relatively few fish were stocked in the affected ponds this season.

"Visitors are definitely going to notice the change, especially at Dragonfly Pond," said Mueller State Park manager Brian Kerrigan. "But after the irrigation season ends, we're hopeful a good winter will allow these ponds to refill and be available again in the spring."

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All of Mueller State Park's ponds hold water rights, but those rights are junior in priority to more senior water rights. When senior water-right holders call for water, Colorado Parks and Wildlife must comply with state law and allow water that otherwise would be stored in the ponds to continue downstream. Colorado is experiencing extreme drought following low mountain snowpack, low streamflows, and hot summer temperatures.

Anglers still have opportunities elsewhere in the park. Rock Pond and Brook Pond, both in the park's backcountry, remain open for fishing. Rock Pond is stocked with brook trout; Brook Pond is stocked with cutthroat trout.

The impacts are expected to be temporary. Once the irrigation season ends, the park can begin retaining water again, with recovery depending on winter precipitation and runoff.

Anglers ages 16 and older must possess a valid Colorado fishing license. Fishing information, drought-impacted areas, license requirements, and additional fishing opportunities across Colorado are available at cpw.state.co.us/fishing.