Fishing continues at Mueller State Park as drought affects two ponds
DIVIDE, Colo. – Visitors to Mueller State Park will see significantly lower water levels at two ponds as Colorado Parks and Wildlife releases water from Geer and Dragonfly ponds in response to continued drought conditions throughout the state and requirements under Colorado water law.
Most of the water has already been released from Geer Pond, a backcountry fishing location. Visitors hiking to the pond should expect to find primarily a dry pond bed with only a small amount of water remaining.
At Dragonfly Pond, located along the park's main road and popular for children's fishing and educational programs, park staff will release approximately three feet of water in the weeks ahead. The lower water level is expected to significantly reduce fishing opportunities at that pond for the remainder of the season.
“Visitors are definitely going to notice the change, especially at Dragonfly Pond,” said Brian Kerrigan, Mueller State Park manager. “But after the irrigation season ends, we're hopeful a good winter will allow these ponds to refill and be available again in the spring.”
Colorado is experiencing extreme drought following low mountain snowpack, low streamflows and hot summer temperatures. Those conditions have left less water available to water-right holders across the state.
All of Mueller State Park's ponds have water rights, but those rights are junior in priority to more senior water rights. When senior water-right holders call for water, CPW must comply with Colorado water law and allow water that otherwise would be stored in the ponds to continue downstream.
As Dragonfly water levels are reduced, water temperatures are expected to increase and create conditions unsuitable for trout. Dragonfly primarily supports stocked rainbow trout, while Geer primarily supports cutthroat trout. A fish salvage is not planned, as relatively few fish were stocked in the affected ponds this season.
Anglers still have opportunities elsewhere at Mueller State Park. Rock Pond and Brook Pond, both located in the park's backcountry, remain available for fishing. Rock Pond is stocked with brook trout, while Brook Pond is stocked with cutthroat trout.
The impacts are expected to be temporary. Once the irrigation season ends, the park can begin retaining water in the ponds again. How quickly they recover will depend on winter precipitation and runoff.
Additional fishing information, a list of areas impacted by drought, license requirements, and additional fishing opportunities across Colorado are available online. Anglers ages 16 and older must possess a valid Colorado fishing license.
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PHOTO CUTLINE: Geer Pond continues to drain at Mueller State Park near Divide, Colo. As a junior water rights holder, Colorado Parks and Wildlife remains compliant with state water laws through careful, lawful management of water on its properties statewide. CPW Photo/Brian Kerrigan
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