Native fish populations are returning more quickly than anticipated in the Colorado River Connectivity Channel near Granby. This news is according to the latest Colorado Parks and Wildlife electrofishing survey of the trout population along the newly constructed 1-mile river channel. In May, Parks and Wildlife biologists estimated that approximately 848 brown trout and 221 rainbow trout over 6 inches in length live within the channel.  The $33 million connectivity channel project sought to establish connectivity along the Colorado River after the construction of the 445-acre-foot Windy Gap Reservoir in 1985 disrupted flows in the region. The reservoir and dam — which were constructed to help divert water to two northern Front Range cities — impacted stream flows, caused sediment buildup and decimated fish populations. 

Other anadromous fish news:

• Colorado Parks and Wildlife: News release: Colorado Parks and Wildlife sees positive signs of aquatic life in the Colorado River Connectivity Channel
• Times Standard (Eureka, Calif.): Mad River Hatchery releases last steelhead trout
• San Mateo Daily Journal (Calif.): Juvenile salmon released at the Pillar Point Harbor
• KCRW (Santa Monica): Podcast: How steelhead trout in the Santa Monica Mountains were relocated after the Palisades Fire