JACKSON- As the region has experienced persistent warm temperatures with below average moisture this summer, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s Jackson fisheries management staff has recorded above average water temperatures in many area streams. With Flat Creek on the National Elk Refuge set to open on August 1, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department would like to inform anglers about the potential for voluntary fishing closures.  

Moving into late summer, as water levels drop, temperatures rise. Warm water is a threat to trout and other cold-water species. Warmer water holds less oxygen which can decrease fish survival by inhibiting the ability for fish to recover from stressors such as being caught.

Recent temperature readings on Flat Creek have approached 70 degrees Fahrenheit in the late afternoon. These conditions are known to be stressful and dangerous for trout that have been caught and released by anglers. Unless weather patterns change and conditions cool, the department will look to issue a voluntary closure of Flat Creek. 

Special regulations on Flat Creek require most fish to be immediately released after they are caught, with the exception of anglers being able to harvest one trout over 20 inches. With mandatory catch-and-release regulations for most trout, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department strongly encourages anglers not to fish this stream during voluntary closures to increase trout survival.

Additionally, it is recommended that anglers throughout the region who practice catch and release angling land fish quickly to reduce exhaustion stress. Other best practices include keeping fish in the water as much as possible, not squeezing the fish or placing fingers in the gills, and removing the hook gently. Limiting angling to the morning hours before water temperatures begin to peak in the late afternoon will help improve fish survival on any stream or lake. More information for fishing in the heat is available on the Game and Fish Website.  

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department will continue to closely monitor water temperatures to determine necessary steps to protect the fishery. If a voluntary closure is necessary, signs will be placed at access points to notify anglers of the circumstances. 

Anglers needing more information can contact the Wyoming Game and Fish Department Jackson Regional office (307-733-2321).