Colorado Parks & Wildlife issued a press release today clearing up the current and future state of access to the famed Toilet Bowl on the Frying Pan River. The press release, which involved Colorado Parks and Wildlife, City of Aspen, Bureau of Reclamation, Eagle County Sheriff's office and the U.S. Forest Service, indicates that anglers will have access to fishing from the shore, however, paddle boarding, free diving, swimming, and wading are prohibited in the famed fishing hole. Read the full press release below or on the Colorado Parks & Wildlife website.

Agencies clarify status of famed 'Toilet Bowl' trout fishing area, anglers will continue having access

BASALT, Colo. - BASALT, Colo. - Colorado Parks and Wildlife, city of Aspen, Bureau of Reclamation, Eagle County Sheriff's office and the U.S. Forest Service are confirming anglers will continue having fishing access to the 'Toilet Bowl from the shore; however, paddle boarding, free diving, swimming, and wading will remain prohibited.

Officials stress the water, located at the base of the Ruedi Dam on the Fryingpan River, is turbulent and subject to sudden changes in depth and flows. In addition, they caution the area has underwater hazards people are unable to see.

The five government agencies met last week to address social media rumors claiming the Toilet Bowl would no longer be accessible to anglers.

"Much of the confusion stems from varied interpretations of the existing signs which were placed to prevent unsafe activities and protect dam infrastructure" said District Wildlife Manager Matt Yamashita of Basalt. "It was made clear during the meeting that the intent is to prohibit in-water recreation in the deep portion of the Toilet Bowl section, for safety and security reasons. Anglers standing on the shore are not the concern."

Yamashita says the city of Aspen and Bureau of Reclamation will update signs in the area to clarify restrictions.

"Ultimately, for anglers, not much has changed," he said. "They can continue to fish there, as they always have. Going forward, we ask everyone to follow the rules and regulations as signed, and be sure to respect all current and future signage."

Officials recently repaired the fence around the hydroelectric plant, replacing a section damaged by a vehicle. Workers also placed posts for a gate they will install this spring. The gate will help keep vehicles away from hydroelectric plant structures.

"The fence and the gate only restrict vehicle access, not foot traffic," added Yamashita.

The famed fishing hole is popular with anglers, many who travel from around the world to catch the large trout that thrive in the pool.

For more information about fishing and access at the Toilet Bowl, contact the Glenwood Springs Colorado Parks and Wildlife office at 970-947-2920

For more information about fishing in Colorado, visit the CPW website.