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Commission hears update on reservoir release rates intended to help native fish; smallmouth bass control discussed
Summary
An emailed update on reservoir release flows was shared: colder water releases aim to counteract smallmouth bass predation on native species; commissioners noted scheduled 'bumps' in river flows in early July/August for Colorado Pikeminnow habitat work.
Commissioners reviewed a packet item with updated reservoir release flow rates intended to move colder water downstream and mitigate impacts on native fish spawning. A commissioner summarized the water-management plan and said the releases are part of an effort to reduce smallmouth bass predation on native species.
"They're trying to eradicate the smallmouth in the river," the commissioner said, describing the river-management objective. Commissioners noted planned release changes — including a rise beginning around the 8th or 9th, then a decrease on the 12th — and an additional anticipated flow increase later in July or August to support Colorado Pikeminnow habitat work.
Staff said they would continue to circulate release schedules and coordinate with the power plant and reservoir operators as timing is refined. No action was required at the meeting; the item was listed as correspondence and informational for commissioners and the public.
