Crystal Creek Reservoir being drained ahead of dam renovations

The dam at Crystal Creek Reservoir is nearly 85 years old, and that’s starting to show.

Colorado Springs Utilities has already started draining the reservoir in order to complete the necessary repairs.

A spokesperson with CSU says they don’t know exactly how long it will take to repair the dam until it’s completely drained and they get a chance to inspect it. That should happen by the end of June. And by their best estimation, construction is expected to last through 2020.

“The reservoir face itself needs to be recoated and repaired. There’s some cathodic protection that needs to be reinstalled. And then we’re going to install a headgate,” said Andy Funchess with Colorado Springs Utilities.

But what does this mean for fishermen? Under normal circumstances, fisherman are only allowed to keep up to four fish per trip. But with the draining of the reservoir, that’s changed. Starting May 1, you can keep as many as you want.

Connor Maloney, Ranger Supervisor for Pikes Peak Highway said, “The Department of Wildlife has issued a salvage order of Crystal Creek Reservoir, which means if you have a Colorado fishing license, then on May 1st you’ll be able to fish without a bag limit. And they’re doing that so none of this fish go to waste in there. If there are fish left over, then I believe they’re going to net them and move them to the north or south Catamount Reservoir.”

So it’s good that no fish will be going to waste, but what about the other wildlife? Maloney reinforced that none of the peripheral wildlife in the area would be affected.

And for those of you worried about losing a fishing spot this summer, worry no more. As of today, South Catamount reservoir which is just down the road from Crystal Creek Reservoir, was stocked with approximately 3,000 fish. Just remember: fishing starts May 1.