After finding 300 dead mountain whitefish, CPW implements voluntary fishing closure on stretch of Yampa River

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) implemented a voluntary fishing closure on a stretch of the Yampa River after finding over 300 dead mountain whitefish, attributed to severe drought conditions and high water temperatures (83°F). The closure aims to protect the vulnerable native species by reducing angler pressure, as mountain whitefish populations have declined due to non-native predators and environmental stressors.