Colorado Parks and Wildlife is ending public access to Adobe Creek Reservoir and Thurston Reservoir after a recreational lease expired [1].
The loss of these fishing sites in southeastern Colorado removes established recreational opportunities for the public. To mitigate the impact, the state has launched a fish-salvage program to protect and relocate fish populations before the sites close permanently [1].
Adobe Creek Reservoir, also known as Blue Lake, and Thurston Reservoir were available for public use through a partnership with the Fort Lyon Canal Company [1]. The company said it would not renew the recreational lease, which had been in place for 50 years [3].
Because the lease ends in June 2026 [2], the state must move quickly to manage the remaining aquatic life. CPW has established a public fish-salvage period running from June 12, 2026, to July 15, 2026 [2]. This program allows the public to assist in the removal of fish to ensure the populations are preserved as the reservoirs transition away from public recreational use [1].
The decision by the Fort Lyon Canal Company to terminate the agreement brings an end to half a century of shared access. CPW officials said they are overseeing the salvage operations to ensure the process is handled according to state wildlife guidelines [1]. Public access to both reservoirs will officially conclude this month [2].
“The recreational lease had been in place for 50 years.”
The expiration of this long-term lease highlights the precarious nature of public access to water bodies owned by private entities. When private landowners or companies choose not to renew agreements with state agencies, it can lead to the sudden loss of regional recreational hubs and necessitates emergency biological interventions, such as fish salvages, to prevent ecological waste.
