GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — Colorado Parks and Wildlife will implement a public fish salvage at Juniata Reservoir beginning Monday, Feb. 23, and will remain in place until further notice.
The salvage is being implemented to mitigate fish loss, as Juniata Reservoir is being drained for necessary modernization and upgrades to the dam’s outlet structure by the City of Grand Junction.
Bag and possession limits for all fish species in the reservoir will be removed for the duration of the salvage. Additionally, the regulations that allow only artificial flies and lures will also be lifted while the salvage order is in effect. All other existing regulations regarding methods of take, including the prohibition of the use of live bait, will remain in place. The regulations for surrounding streams and lakes in the area will continue to apply.
Access for Juniata remains at the parking lot on Purdy Mesa Road. Anglers 16 and older must have a valid Colorado fishing license.
The City of Grand Junction is expected to begin draining the reservoir in November of this year, with an anticipated complete emptying of the lake by September 2027. Anglers should be advised that they will experience changing conditions and a muddy approach to the water.
The salvage order was approved by CPW Acting Director Laura Clellan on Feb. 17. This action only pertains to Colorado Parks and Wildlife regulations at Juniata Reservoir. Regulations implemented by the City of Grand Junction remain in effect, including activities involving water contact such as no swimming, wading, or boating.
Once repairs are completed and the reservoir regains adequate water, CPW will work on creating a plan to restock the reservoir.
For more information about the Juniata Reservoir project, please contact Mark Ritterbush with the City of Grand Junction at 970-256-4185 or via email at markri@gjcity.org.
Support Independent Local Journalism — High Country Advocate was created as a real alternative to regional media that too often silences dissenting voices while taking sides in the political struggle. Producing in-depth, unflinching reporting like this series and others is expensive: servers, editing, research time, and legal review all add up quickly. If these articles have informed you or given you new perspective, please consider supporting HCA with a paid subscription — every subscriber helps keep this reporting strong and independent. 