On July 4, 2026, a controlled burn reaches the ridge above the hatchery and merges with the edge of the Willow fire. USFWS Photo/Josh Homer
When the Willow Fire threatened the Leadville National Fish Hatchery in late June, Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service moved quickly to protect some of Colorado’s most important native trout.
Over three days, crews moved more than 148,000 fish, including approximately 5,000 greenback cutthroat trout and 1,500 Hayden Creek cutthroat trout. The fish were carefully transported to hatcheries and waters across Colorado, with different populations and age classes kept separate to protect their genetics.
Approximately 250 Hayden Creek Cutthroat trout are released into Iowa Gulch near Leadville. Some fish were stocked in regional waters ahead of schedule, or as part of retirement from their broodfish role. Release arrived for more than 142,000 rainbow trout into Twin Lakes, Mount Elbert Forebay and Hayden Meadows reservoirs; 250 additional Hayden Creek Cutthroat Trout went into the Arkansas River; and more than 500 greenback cutthroats went into Joe Wright Reservoir.
The emergency response was extraordinary, but it was only possible because of years of preparation, science, and partnership.
The greenback cutthroat trout at Leadville are part of a long-term effort to recover Colorado’s state fish within its native range. The Hayden Creek cutthroat trout trace back to a population rescued from wildfire in 2016. Both populations represent years of careful conservation work and important opportunities for future restoration.
The rescue also shows why long-term investment in native trout conservation matters. When wildfire, drought or other threats put isolated populations at risk, strong partnerships, experienced hatchery teams and carefully managed broodstocks can help protect decades of progress.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service deserve tremendous credit for the speed, care, and coordination behind this effort. Their work protected not only thousands of fish, but also the future of ongoing native trout recovery across Colorado.
Read the full story in Colorado Outdoors Magazine to learn more about the Willow Fire evacuation and the people who made it possible.
