Thousands of Fish Safely Returned to Leadville National Fish Hatchery Following Willow Fire Evacuation
Thousands of "irreplaceable" fish, including Colorado's state fish, the greenback cutthroat trout, have been safely returned to the Leadville National Fish Hatchery after being evacuated due to the Willow Fire near Leadville, Colorado. The hatchery, one of the oldest in…
Denver, CO, July 31, 2026 —
Thousands of fish, including the unique greenback cutthroat trout, Colorado’s state fish, have been safely relocated back to the Leadville National Fish Hatchery. The evacuation was a precautionary measure taken due to the Willow Fire, which prompted mandatory evacuations in the vicinity of the hatchery.
The Leadville National Fish Hatchery, recognized as one of the oldest fish hatcheries in the United States, undertook the significant task of evacuating approximately 150,000 fish. Among the evacuated populations was a crucial broodstock of greenback cutthroat trout, a species considered irreplaceable.
These fish were temporarily moved to various other facilities located throughout Colorado to ensure their safety from the approaching wildfire. The successful relocation of such a large number of fish highlights the preparedness and dedication of the hatchery staff in safeguarding these valuable aquatic resources.
Following the downgrade of mandatory evacuation orders for the area surrounding the hatchery, officials have now confirmed that the fish are being returned to their home at the Leadville facility. This return signifies the successful conclusion of an operation designed to protect a significant portion of the nation’s fish populations from the threat of the Willow Fire.
Story summarized from the original created by Stephanie Butzer on www.denver7.com, see more information here.
