CHEYENNE — Due to hot, summer temperatures across Wyoming, some of the state’s streams and rivers are flowing at warmer temperatures. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department asks anglers to adjust fishing practices during the state’s hottest stretch of summer. Warmer water temperatures can affect fish survival, especially trout.

“We are facing record drought conditions in addition to our hottest summer months,” said Dave Zafft, Game and Fish deputy chief of fisheries. “Water temperatures are at their highest point, and will continue to stress trout in many Wyoming rivers.”

Trout die after prolonged exposure to water temperatures greater than 75 degrees Fahrenheit, and brief exposure to temperatures over 80 degrees are lethal. Fish stress quicker in low-oxygen, warm water, which greatly hampers a fish's ability to recover from the rigors of being caught. However, as water temperatures approach 70 degrees, the chance for any fish species to survive being caught and released is reduced.  

Anglers who adjust their practices can help more fish survive the heat. Zafft said in conditions where water temperatures exceed 70 degrees, anglers should not attempt catch-and-release methods, which will be fatal to all fish species at those temperatures.

Game and Fish asks all anglers practicing catch-and-release to consider the following:

• Fish early in the morning while the water temperature is cooler.
• Carry a pocket thermometer to monitor water temperatures.
• If the water temperature is at or above 65 degrees, consider keeping what you catch within the regulations. If the temperature is 70 degrees or higher, do not attempt to catch-and-release fish. 

As water temperature increases, using the proper techniques to catch-and-release a fish becomes increasingly important to help ensure the fish has a chance to survive:

• Play and land fish as rapidly as possible to reduce exhaustion stress.  
• Keep the fish in the water as much as possible.
• Do not squeeze the fish or place fingers in the gills.
• Remove the hook gently. If hooked deeply, cut the leader.
• Flies and lures are recommended whenever many fish are being caught and released.
• Barbless hooks allow easier hook removal.
• If a fish is exhausted and cannot hold itself upright, and if regulations allow, consider having it for supper because the fish has a poor chance of surviving.

“These are not new regulations, just recommendations to assist with the conservation of the fishery resource,” Zafft said. “If water temperatures are too high, consider escaping the heat with a trip to a top-notch, high-country fishery where it’s cooler.” 

-WGFD-