Colorado Will Propose New Fishing Rules at Reservoir

Wildlife officials seek to restore native cutthroat trout in a small Grand Mesa reservoir.

Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Fishing

Screen-print poster illustration featuring a native cutthroat trout swimming in crystalline alpine waters, representing fish conservation in Colorado. — Colorado wildlife officials have proposed a reclamation project at Scotland Peak Reservoir to establish a breeding population of native Colorado River cutthroat trout. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Colorado Parks and Wildlife is planning a reclamation project at the one-acre Scotland Peak Reservoir to replace non-native trout with native Colorado River cutthroat trout. The initiative aims to create a conservation population for egg collection and species propagation.

Why it matters

The proposal seeks to protect native species and reduce incidental hooking mortality. This conservation effort targets a specific habitat to ensure the long-term survival of the Colorado River cutthroat trout.

Scotland Peak Reservoir covers less than 1 acre, standing out among more than 100 sport fisheries in the Grand Mesa region. Current regulations allow anglers to harvest 4 trout per day using all legal bait and tackle.

The players

Colorado Parks and Wildlife

This state agency is responsible for managing wildlife and outdoor recreation opportunities across Colorado.

Parks and Wildlife Commission

This body oversees the agency and makes final decisions on hunting and fishing regulation changes.

The details

The agency intends to remove existing non-native fish to establish a controlled environment for native cutthroat trout. These changes are designed to support a stable population for future propagation while minimizing accidental harm to the fish.

The Parks and Wildlife Commission will review the proposed changes on November 4-5, 2026.

Culture Shift

This effort follows the Colorado River Cutthroat Trout Conservation Agreement to restore native fish populations across the state. It signals a move away from general-use fisheries toward habitat-specific conservation goals.

Anglers who frequent Scotland Peak Reservoir may soon see significant changes to harvest limits and permitted bait types. These updates will require visitors to adjust their current gear and fishing practices to comply with new native species protections.

The takeaway

Conservation efforts often require trade-offs in recreational access to preserve native biodiversity. Anglers are encouraged to check state updates before heading to restricted waters to ensure they follow the latest protective guidelines.