CPW to lift voluntary fishing closure on Roaring Fork River

August 19, 2026

GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. — Increased flows due to water releases from Ruedi Reservoir, resulting in cooler water temperatures, have prompted Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) to lift the afternoon voluntary fishing closure on the Roaring Fork River on Thursday, Aug. 20.

The closure was initially implemented on July 17 to protect fish and minimize fish mortality due to extremely low flows and high water temperatures.

"We want to thank anglers for their support and finding  alternative locations to fish during the voluntary closure," said CPW Area Aquatic Biologist Kendall Bakich, "This support is crucial for protecting and conserving fish populations for future generations." 

While CPW is lifting the voluntary closure on the Roaring Fork River, voluntary closures on the Colorado, Eagle, and Crystal rivers remain in place until further notice as extremely low flows and high water temperatures continue to persist in these waters. Anglers are asked to adhere to these voluntary closures to help conserve fish populations and avoid the need for mandatory closures. 

Anglers are encouraged to check river conditions before traveling. For a complete list of voluntary river closures, visit the 2026 Weather and Drought Closures page.

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