G&F Requests Anglers to Adjust Fishing Practices Due to Heat

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is asking anglers to adjust fishing practices during the state’s hottest stretch of summer. Sheridan Media’s Ron Richter has the details.

Due to increasing air temperatures across Wyoming, some of the state’s rivers and streams are flowing at warmer temperatures. The warmer temps can affect fish survival, especially trout. According to the Game and Fish,  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.

Game and Fish requests that anglers that practice catch-and-release fish early in the morning while the water temperature is cooler and carry a pocket thermometer to monitor the water temperature. If the water temperature is at or above 65 degrees, consider keeping what you catch within the regulations and if the temperature is 70 degrees or higher, do not attempt to catch and release fish.