Dog Fish Lake, located in Hotchkiss, Colorado, is a privately owned reservoir with a primary purpose of irrigation. Built in 1899, this Earth dam structure stands at 22 feet high and spans 225 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 360 acre-feet. The lake is situated along Leroux Creek and serves as a vital water source for agricultural needs in the area.

Despite its low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Dog Fish Lake is regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, ensuring that it meets state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements. With a surface area of 30 acres and a normal storage capacity of 240 acre-feet, the reservoir provides water for irrigation and general water supply purposes. Although it lacks a spillway, the lake has an outlet with slide and uncontrolled gates for water release when needed.

Dog Fish Lake's risk assessment categorizes it as high (2), indicating the need for effective risk management measures to safeguard the surrounding community and maintain the reservoir's integrity. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the significance of this historic irrigation reservoir in Delta County, Colorado, can help us appreciate the vital role it plays in sustaining agricultural activities and water supply in the region.