Denver Water has announced that Antero Reservoir will be closed to all recreational activities, including boating, fishing, and camping, throughout 2026 as part of ongoing drought management efforts.
In the coming weeks, Denver Water will begin transferring water from Antero Reservoir to Cheesman Reservoir to improve system efficiency during continued dry conditions. The move is intended to better manage limited water resources across the region.
Officials say they are coordinating with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to reduce impacts on aquatic life. Plans include efforts to preserve fish populations during the drawdown, as well as allowing limited public access to the reservoir for a short period before the full closure takes effect.
Once fish relocation is complete, all recreational use, including camping, will be prohibited at Antero. A specific closure date has not yet been finalized, but more details are expected in the near future.
The timeline for refilling the reservoir will depend on future drought conditions. Antero Reservoir has previously been drained during periods of water management need, including during the 2002 drought and again in 2015 for dam rehabilitation work.
