Voluntary fishing closure issued on stretch of Arkansas River in Pueblo to help trout

PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) -- Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is issuing a voluntary fishing closure on a portion of the Arkansas River tailwater in Pueblo to help the fish as hot temperatures continue.

CPW says the area will close during the hottest part of the day as low flows and rising water temperatures cause more issues for trout in the river.

The closure is on the Arkansas River from Pueblo Boulevard East to where the river meets Fountain Creek, CPW says. The closure will be in effect daily from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. until further notice.

According to officials, they are releasing cold water from Pueblo Reservoir to help the upper tailwater stay cool enough for the trout. But as the water moves downstream, the hot temperatures are making the water heat up quickly, and trout are struggling to recover after being caught and released.

CPW says in order to help protect fish, anglers should try to fish earlier in the day when temperatures are cooler, we hands before handling any fish and keep fish submerged when removing the hook and releasing them.

More information on river conditions and current fishing restrictions is available on CPW's website.

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