Monte Vista, CO– Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has closed Home Lake State Wildlife Area to fishing effective immediately. The closure is due to a chemical exposure that has resulted in the death of aquatic life in the lake.

The chemical exposure was discovered on Friday, June 2, after CPW staff noticed dead snails along the shore of the lake. Testing of the lake water by CPW and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) confirmed the presence of two herbicides used in agriculture.

“We are taking this matter very seriously,” said Rick Basagoitia, CPW Area Wildlife Manager. “Out of an abundance of caution, we are closing the lake to fishing for two weeks while we investigate the extent of the exposure and determine the appropriate course of action.”

CPW will continue to sample the water and monitor the affected areas. The herbicides detected can be toxic to aquatic life and may also pose a risk to human health if ingested.

“We are advising the public not to consume any fish from Home Lake at this time,” said Estevan Vigil, CPW Aquatic Biologist. “We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.”

Home Lake is located approximately 1½ miles east of Monte Vista and is a popular fishing destination for rainbow trout, channel catfish, largemouth bass, bluegill, and grass carp. The closure of the lake will impact anglers who were planning to fish there this weekend and in the coming weeks.

“We understand that this is an inconvenience for anglers,” said Basagoitia. “We appreciate their patience as we work to resolve this issue.”

CPW is working with the Colorado Department of Agriculture to investigate the source of the chemical exposure. The investigation is ongoing.

The lake will be well marked with closure signs. The two-week closure will allow CPW and partnering agencies to monitor and sample the water to determine the extent of the exposure. It is possible the closure will be extended.

For more information, please contact CPW at (719) 589-2525.

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