The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is asking anglers to voluntarily avoid fishing at two Sheridan Region waters to help protect trout amid rising water temperatures.

“Due to low snowpack this winter and early, warm temperatures in the Sheridan Region, our fisheries managers placed temperature loggers in June at multiple locations to monitor temperature,” said Game and Fish Sheridan Region Fisheries Supervisor Stephen Siddons. “Personnel have checked the loggers regularly and as of July 16, water temperatures are consistently above 70 degrees at the North Sayles ponds on the Bud Love Wildlife Habitat Management Area and at Muddy Guard Reservoir #1.”

In response to the high water temperatures and to protect these fisheries, fish managers are asking anglers to voluntarily not fish at North Sayles ponds on Bud Love WHMA near Buffalo or Muddy Guard #1.

When water temperatures approach 70 degrees Fahrenheit, trout become stressed due to temperatures and low oxygen levels. As water temperatures reach 75 degrees, most trout are unable to recover from being caught and released by anglers. The most recent temperature readings at the lowest North Sayles Reservoir and Muddy Guard #1 were 78 degrees. Signs explaining the voluntary closures will be posted at major access points to the affected fisheries.

“While these closures are voluntary, we hope anglers will help protect their fisheries by temporarily fishing at other locations,” said Siddons. "As trout fisheries are reaching high temperatures, we encourage anglers to fish up on the mountain where temperatures remain cooler, or focus on our abundant warmwater opportunities for bass and panfish.” 

While the waters listed above have documented high water temperatures, it is likely that other local waters are also experiencing high, sustained temperatures. The Middle Fork of the Powder River, local creeks, and the Tongue River in the canyon are also nearing temperatures of concern. 

When water temperatures reach 65 degrees, the Department encourages anglers to harvest fish in accordance with established regulations rather than practice catch-and-release. Once water temperatures reach 70 degrees, anglers should discontinue catch-and-release fishing for trout altogether.

Additional practices that help reduce stress on fish include:
 

• Fish during the early morning hours when water temperatures are coolest.
• Carry a pocket thermometer to monitor water temperatures periodically while fishing.
• Land fish as quickly as possible to minimize exhaustion.
• Keep fish in the water while removing the hook whenever possible.
• Avoid squeezing fish or placing fingers in their gills.
• If a fish is deeply hooked, cut the line rather than attempting to remove the hook.
• Use artificial flies or lures and consider using barbless hooks to reduce handling time.
• If a fish is too exhausted to hold itself upright after release and regulations allow, consider harvesting the fish rather than releasing it.
• Check the Wyoming Game and Fish Fishing in the Heat webpage for up to date information on fishing closures and advisories across the state.

• Learn more about handling fish during high water temperatures. 
   

  “We will continue to monitor area waters through the summer and lift, or potentially add closures, based on temperature readings,” said Siddons. “We appreciate the cooperation of anglers to protect our local fisheries and will keep the public updated on our monitoring efforts.”

  
  Questions about the closures can be directed to Stephen Siddons at the Sheridan Regional Office at 307-672-7418.