Colorado Parks and Wildlife reports that an emergency fish salvage is now underway at Baca County’s Two Buttes Reservoir. The purpose for the salvage is to mitigate imminent fish loss related to declining water levels ahead of continued dry conditions.

Two Buttes Reservoir is a body of water that relies solely on heavy precipitation, and without that, the reservoir has dropped to a level that will make it difficult to support a fishery in the near future. The emergency salvage means that all bag and possession limits for the reservoir have been removed until further notice provided an angler is legally fishing.

“In instances of low lake levels, there is a likelihood that a cold snap could easily bring a snow and ice cover over the lake,” said CPW Aquatic Biologist Jim Ramsay. “This could create a situation of significantly depleted oxygen levels under the ice that creates a great risk to the fish. This emergency fish salvage prevents a waste of these natural resources.”

Commercial angling is not allowed during the salvage, though non-commercial anglers are allowed to use up to two rods at a time.

Located about 35 miles south of Lamar, Two Buttes Reservoir at Two Buttes Reservoir State Wildlife Area offers fishing opportunities for bluegill, catfish, crappie, walleye, and saugeye.

An end date for the emergency salvage has not yet been announced, though signs will be posted at the reservoir when that occurs and a notice will go out.

Find additional information here.