Colorado Parks and Wildlife declared a public fish salvage at Adobe Creek Reservoir (known locally as Blue Lake) and Thurston Reservoir, near Lamar, running through July 15, 2026 — after which both reservoirs will permanently close to public access.

The Fort Lyon Canal Company formally notified Colorado Parks and Wildlife that the current recreational lease agreement will not be renewed, ending public access to both fisheries on the final day of the salvage. The two reservoirs have drawn anglers from Colorado and Kansas for decades in pursuit of catfish, crappie, saugeye, walleye and other sportfish at two of southeastern Colorado's few large warmwater fisheries.

"Together, Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the Fort Lyon Canal Company have provided recreational fishing at these two reservoirs since 1970 that generations of anglers have enjoyed," said Todd Marriott, Colorado Parks and Wildlife Area Wildlife Manager. "While we are disappointed we could not reach an agreement to continue that opportunity, our focus now is on conserving the fishery resource and ensuring Colorado anglers receive the greatest possible benefit from it."

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Colorado Parks and Wildlife fisheries staff have already begun salvage operations. When practical, sportfish will be relocated to other southeast reservoirs. Colorado Parks and Wildlife is also evaluating removal of infrastructure on the properties, including a boat ramp and other facilities, as required under the terms of the lease.

"Colorado's hunters, anglers and taxpayers have invested in these fisheries and access improvements," said Marriott. "We are committed to protecting as much of that public investment as possible, whether that's relocating fish to other public waters or responsibly removing infrastructure as required under the lease."

The salvage is authorized under Parks and Wildlife Commission Regulation 104.G and was signed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife Director Laura Clellan. Current size, bag and possession limits are suspended at both reservoirs for the duration of the salvage.

"We are allowing all legal angling methods, including all net and trap types, snagging and gigs, archery equipment, unlimited rods, trot lines and jugs," said Marriott. "Because the window to salvage these fish is limited, we want to maximize the ability of sportspeople to remove fish for their benefit while helping utilize the resource."

A valid Colorado fishing license is required. Authorized methods of take include all net and trap types, snagging and gigs, archery equipment, unlimited fishing rods, trot lines and jugs. The public fish salvage applies only to Adobe Creek and Thurston reservoirs.

Any changes to the salvage order, including early closure, will be announced through signs posted at the reservoirs and through Colorado Parks and Wildlife communication channels. Fishing license information is available at cpw.state.co.us.