With permission from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and Animas-La Plata Association, Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CPW) is again conducting its annual Lake Nighthorse kokanee salmon spawning operation. This spawning operation is important for fisheries within the Southwest Region and across the State of Colorado.

CPW wants to let the Southern Ute Tribe and its members know about the spawning and fish giveaways. We are inviting Southern Ute tribal members to share this fish resource.

Fish giveaways are scheduled as follows:

• 3 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 6
• 3 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 13

Tribal Members need only to present their Tribal Identification Card and do NOT need to possess a State fishing permit.

Because of COVID-19 concerns, the giveaway will be handled differently than in past years. At the reservoir entry station, each vehicle will be given a number and each person in the vehicle who wants fish will be counted. Drivers will be instructed to proceed to the parking area and stay in their vehicle. CPW staff members will then call out numbers and that vehicle will proceed to the top of the boat ramp.

One person with a container for the fish will be allowed to get out of the vehicle. That person must wear a mask. CPW staff members will distribute kokanee based on the number of fish that have been collected from the reservoir and the number of people in line. Each vehicle will only be allowed to go through the line once.

Please, call the Wildlife Division if you have any questions at 970-563-0130.