More Water Headed to John Martin Reservoir

HASTY, Colo. – Boaters and recreationists at John Martin Reservoir and John Martin State Park will have even more to love this season. This week, Colorado Parks and Wildlife will start moving 3,000 acre feet of water into the reservoir.

“This is really exciting news and we are thrilled to be able to provide additional water this year,” said Brett Ackerman, Deputy Regional Manager for Colorado Parks and Wildlife. “Years of drought have really taken a toll on John Martin Reservoir and protecting this exceptional fishery has been tough at times. This will really help out a lot.”

The additional water will increase the permanent pool at John Martin Reservoir to approximately 4,000 acre feet resulting in a safety net for the fishery, as well as more room on the water for boating, water skiing and angling. The water was purchased by Colorado Parks and Wildlife from Colorado Springs Utilities and Pueblo Board of Water Works and is currently in transit from Pueblo Reservoir.

“The weather this year was a huge help with regard to overall water levels,” said Ackerman. “But protecting the permanent pool would not have been possible without the help and cooperation of Colorado Springs Utilities and Pueblo Board of Water Works as well as the support of our sportsmen and anglers.”

“John Martin Reservoir State Park has always had a lot to offer, but this year it will be even better,” said Park Manager, Dan Kirmer. “Be sure you take the time to come check it out.”

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CPW is an enterprise agency, relying primarily on license sales, state parks fees and registration fees to support our operations including 43 state parks covering more than  220,000 acres, big-game management, hunting, fishing, wildlife watching, camping, motorized and non-motorized trails, boating and outdoor education. CPW’s work contributes approximately six billion dollars in total economic effect annually throughout Colorado.