Narraguinnep Boat Ramp Closed for Modifications to Narraguinnep Dam

WCA Construction, LLC plans to begin making modifications to the left abutment of Narraguinnep Dam in mid-August. Work will be completed by early December. This work will include concrete work surrounding the rock outcropping between the boat ramp and the dam and installation of drains on the downstream side of the dam. This should have little impact on adjacent residents to the lake other than lowering the lake, occasional equipment crossing Highway 184, and some construction noise Monday through Friday starting at 7 am and finishing by 5 pm. If you have any questions, please contact Aaron Chubbuck or Wesley Syra at (970) 565-7430. Thank you for your patience.

Emergency public fish salvage at Narraguinnep

ALERT FISHERMEN/WOMEN

Emergency public fish salvage effective Wednesday, Aug. 13 at Narraguinnep Reservoir in Montezuma County.

CORTEZ, Colo. – Colorado Parks and Wildlife has announced an emergency public fish salvage effective Wednesday, Aug. 13 at Narraguinnep Reservoir in Montezuma County.

Montezuma Valley Irrigation Company has hired a contractor to begin modifications to the left abutment of Narraguinnep Dam. Work will begin Aug. 18 and is scheduled to be completed in early December.

In order to complete construction, the reservoir was drawn down. This has resulted in poor water quality conditions and loss of refuge habitat for fish. Under these conditions, a viable fishery cannot be maintained until the reservoir is refilled.

CPW is also unable to move any of the fish from Narraguinnep Reservoir to any other neighboring bodies of water.

“The public salvage is being announced in order to optimize use of the fishery resource in accordance with Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission regulations,” said CPW Southwest Region Senior Aquatic Biologist Jim White. “Muddy conditions are expected around the shoreline as the lake drains. Anglers should use caution approaching the lake’s edge.”

The reservoir is located at CPW’s Narraguinnep Reservoir State Wildlife Area, roughly 11 miles north of Cortez. Narraguinnep provides a wide range of fishing opportunities for species including bass, crappie, northern pike, perch and walleye.

All bag and possession limits for the reservoir are removed for the duration of the salvage. Anglers can keep all of the fish they catch utilizing the lawful angling methods currently allowed at the lake.

Anglers must have a valid 2025 Colorado fishing license. Commercial angling is not allowed as part of this salvage.

Anglers should note that it is illegal to capture and transport live fish from one body of water to another.

The dam is operated by Montezuma Valley Irrigation Company. As part of the project, concrete work will also be done surrounding the rock outcropping between the boat ramp and the dam. Drains will also be installed on the downstream side of the dam.

MVIC has closed the parking lot to Narraguinnep SWA from Colorado State Highway 184. Access to the reservoir will be available from County Road 23. While the boat ramp is closed, hand-launched vessels are still allowed on the reservoir. There will be limited parking.

The reservoir will be drained over the course of the next month or two. That will allow MVIC irrigators to have a chance to use the water. No drastic daily changes in lake elevation are expected.

CPW will issue a notice when the salvage operation ends. Signs will also be posted at the lake. The public is advised to follow all closures.

When repairs are completed and the reservoir regains adequate water in 2026, CPW will begin to restock the reservoir.

Anglers seeking fishing opportunities in the immediate area will still find quality fisheries at Joe Moore Reservoir State Wildlife Area, Puett Reservoir State Wildlife Area, Mancos State Park, McPhee Reservoir and Totten Reservoir State Wildlife Area.

About Us

IRRIGATION SEASON

No water, which includes stock water, leases, and regular irrigation water, will be delivered until the shareholder account is paid in full.

Assessments are due March 31st.

All accounts not paid by March 31st will be charged

a one-time $50 late fee

in addition to 1.5% interest per month starting April 1st. No statements will be sent after April 1st.

All orders require a minimum of 24 hours notice. Orders must be placed before 4pm Monday thru Thursday for next day delivery. Orders placed by 4pm Friday will be delivered the following Monday. No orders will be filled on weekends.

ALL WATER ORDERS MUST GO THROUGH THE OFFICE.

Board of Directors

Mesa Verde District #7
Gerald Koppenhafer - President

Arriola District #2
James Snyder - Vice President

Lewis District #1
Marc Garlinghouse - Secretary/Treasurer

Lebanon District #3

Mike Wofford

Lakeview District #4
Joe Brunner

Beulah District #5

Bentley Colbert

McElmo District #6
Drew Gordanier

MVIC Staff

Office
Brandon Johnson

General Manager

bjohnson@mvic.info

Wendy Weygandt

Admin. Asst./Bookkeeping

wweygandt@mvic.info

Maria Koppenhafer

Admin. Asst./Stock Certificates

Tuesdays & Thursdays

mkoppenhafer@mvic.info

Field/Maintenance

Doug Caple

Supervisor

Cody Hurst

Operator

Ditch Riders

Charles Berry

Water Master

East Lateral, West Lateral,

Hermana

Chris Rivas

Towaoc Highline, Rocky Ford,

Simon Suckla, Ute, Duncan Ditch

Anthony Gonzales

Lone Pine, Garrett Ridge

Justin Dahl

May Pipeline,

Upper Arickaree, Lower Arickaree

Josh Seymour
Big Corkscrew,

Little Corkscrew, Goodland,

Cortez

Eldon Whatley

U Lateral, Moonlight

Larry Sharp

Groundhog

Montezuma Valley Irrigation Company

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