San Luis Valley

Mountain Home Reservoir has an emergency fish salvage in 2026

Outdoors and wildfire Costilla County state wildlife area trout fishing

Mountain Home Reservoir lies east of Fort Garland, where the valley floor starts to rise toward the mountains. Its normal recreation pattern is not the useful answer right now.

As of July 28, 2026, Colorado Parks and Wildlife has an emergency fish salvage in effect because the irrigation reservoir is being drained after drought and low snowpack. Ordinary bag and possession limits are lifted during the salvage, and the boat ramp may become unusable as the water falls.

The standing property rule allows vessels but prohibits operating one in a way that creates a whitewater wake. Camping remains limited to designated areas, and other access rules on the property page and in Chapter W-9 still apply unless the emergency notice changes them.

Check the dated salvage notice and current property page before relying on normal stocking, boating, fishing, or ramp conditions. This temporary situation needs a fresh check before every trip.

Sources

Official or primary sources used for this note. Local details can change, so confirm before acting.

Reviewed: July 28, 2026 Colorado Parks and Wildlife Colorado Parks and Wildlife Emergency Fish Salvage Notice Colorado Parks and Wildlife: Chapter W-9 Wildlife Properties

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