Public fish salvage opens Sept 1 at Hugo Ponds ahead of maintenance work

Beginning Tuesday, Sept. 1, Colorado Parks and Wildlife authorizes a public fish salvage at Hugo Ponds at the Hugo State Wildlife Area, Lincoln County, Colo. Photo taken July 27. CPW Photo/Dean Miller

Aug. 31, 2026

HUGO, Colo - Colorado Parks and Wildlife authorizes a public fish salvage beginning Tuesday, Sept 1 at Hugo Ponds on the Hugo State Wildlife Area due to upcoming aquatic habitat maintenance that requires temporarily draining several ponds. The salvage is intended to optimize use of the fishery resource in accordance with Parks and Wildlife Commission Regulation 104.G.

Hugo SWA is an approximately 2,000‑acre property featuring 19 ponds that support warmwater fishing and provide valuable wildlife habitat in a region with limited public access. A recent road improvement project was completed to reduce sediment entering the ponds and protect this important resource. The next phase of work, spring maintenance, begins this fall and will require CPW to lower water levels in select ponds.

“Hugo Ponds is one of the most important fisheries in eastern Colorado,” said Tyler Kersey, CPW Assistant Area Wildlife Manager. “This salvage gives anglers an opportunity to use the fishery before we begin essential maintenance work that will improve and strengthen long‑term habitat.”
Hugo and nearby Kinney Lake SWAs offer warmwater fishing opportunities for bass, bluegill, green sunfish, crappie, and catfish, along with dove hunting and limited deer and pronghorn access for licensed anglers and hunters.

“Maintenance beginning this fall will ensure this habitat remains viable for wildlife and valuable to the community’s sportspersons for years to come,” Kersey said.

Public Fish Salvage Regulations

The emergency fish salvage applies only to Hugo Ponds State Wildlife Area.
A valid Colorado fishing license is required.
Size, bag, and possession limits are suspended for Hugo Ponds SWA until the salvage is lifted.
Anglers may use only currently legal angling methods.
Transporting live fish from one body of water to another is illegal.
Salvage notification is posted at the ponds.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife will announce the end date of the public fish salvage when conditions change or the salvage is complete.

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PHOTO CUTLINES:
Hugo Ponds 4: One of 19 Hugo Ponds at Hugo State Wildlife Area, Lincoln County, Colo. Photo taken July 27. CPW Photo/Dean Miller
Hugo Ponds 1: One of 19 Hugo Ponds at Hugo State Wildlife Area, Lincoln County, Colo. Photo taken July 27. CPW Photo/Dean Miller
Hugo SWA Sign 1: Hugo State Wildlife Area sign. Photo taken July 27. CPW Photo/Dean Miller
Hugo SWA Sign 2: Hugo State Wildlife Area sign. Photo taken July 27. CPW Photo/Dean Miller

One of 19 Hugo Ponds at Hugo State Wildlife Area, Lincoln County, Colo.

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