Colorado teams harvest over 125 million fish eggs for reservoir stocking

In the spring of 2025, biologists from Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), along with dedicated volunteers, engaged in a vital conservation effort at Cherry Creek Reservoir in Colorado. This initiative aimed to harvest millions of fish eggs to ensure a sustainable population of fish for recreational angling in state waterways. The ongoing project took place over 12 days, coinciding with the warm water temperatures conducive to fish spawning. During this time, collection sites were strategically set up to capture spawning walleye, a species targeted for stocking in the state's ecosystems. As part of this process, it is expected to collect more than 125 million fish eggs, which are gathered, fertilized, and then transported to CPW fish hatcheries for growth and acclimatization. Once the fish reach a suitable size, they will be restocked into various water bodies throughout Colorado, contributing to a healthy fishing environment for anglers during future seasons. Such initiatives by CPW are essential not only for supporting recreational fishing but also for maintaining ecological balance and promoting biodiversity within the state's aquatic habitats. This annual endeavor demonstrates the commitment of CPW and its volunteers toward conservation efforts and underscores the importance of community involvement in protecting and enhancing wildlife resources for future generations.