The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has issued a voluntary fishing pause on the Upper North Platte River, a move that highlights the delicate balance between angling and environmental conservation. This decision comes as a response to the region's unseasonably warm temperatures and low-flow conditions, which have led to concerning stream temperatures. The department is urging anglers to take a break from fishing during the hottest parts of the day to protect the trout population.
The Upper North Platte River is a blue-ribbon trout fishery, but the recent heatwave has caused stream temperatures to soar, reaching above 70 degrees Fahrenheit in the afternoon and evening. This is a critical issue because warm water holds less dissolved oxygen, making it harder for trout to recover from being caught. As temperatures approach 70 degrees, the chances of released fish surviving decrease significantly, and prolonged exposure to water above 75 degrees can be lethal. Brief exposure to temperatures above 80 degrees often results in death.
The department's request for a voluntary fishing pause is a strategic move to prevent further stress on the trout population. By avoiding fishing during the hottest times, anglers can contribute to the conservation of these fisheries. Caroline Rosinski, Laramie Region fisheries biologist, emphasizes the urgency of the situation, stating that the last week of warm weather has resulted in sustained high temperatures, even in the early morning hours, which trout struggle to tolerate.
The proposed voluntary closure will be monitored, and if temperatures moderate, the department will switch to catch-and-release angling from noon to sunrise. This adaptive approach ensures that fishing activities can resume when conditions become more favorable for trout survival. Additionally, the Encampment River is also under voluntary closure measures, with anglers asked to fish only in the morning when water temperatures are cooler.
This initiative is not just about the Upper North Platte and Encampment rivers; it's a broader call to action for anglers across the state. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department encourages responsible stewardship, urging anglers to monitor water temperatures and adjust their fishing practices accordingly. By carrying a pocket thermometer and checking water temperatures, anglers can determine when conditions become stressful for fish. The department recommends harvesting fish when temperatures reach 65 degrees and discontinuing catch-and-release fishing when temperatures exceed 70 degrees.
The suggested practices to reduce stress on fish include fishing during the early morning, carrying a thermometer, minimizing exhaustion, and avoiding squeezing or placing fingers in fish gills. These measures are crucial for the well-being of trout populations and the long-term health of the fisheries. The department's release concludes by thanking the angling community for their cooperation and commitment to conservation, emphasizing that responsible stewardship is essential for the future of these precious trout fisheries.
