JACKSON, Wyo. —Hot summer days attract anglers to see what’s biting in the valley’s local waters, but temperatures too high can be lethal for fish. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is asking anglers to adjust fishing practices during the state’s hottest stretch of summer. Warmer water temperatures can affect fish survival, especially Wyoming’s trout.

“It’s that time of year when the temperatures are high and water flows are low,” said Alan Osterland, fish division chief. “Together, that can cause water temperatures to get high enough to be lethal to trout.”

Trout can die after prolonged exposure to temperatures greater than 75 degrees Fahrenheit, and brief exposures over 80 degrees can be lethal. Fish stress quicker in warmer waters which greatly hampers the ability of a fish to recover.

The 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 the water temperature.
  • 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 become increasingly more 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,” Osterland said.

If water temperatures are too high, consider escaping the heat with a trip to another top-notch high country fishery where it’s cooler.

Toby Koekkoek is a Community News Reporter, and a recent resident of Teton Valley. He enjoys writing about our region's community events and the movers and shakers that make up the culture of this unique mountain town. He enjoys deep powder, and deep thoughts, skateboarding, playing racquet sports, riding his bike, and nerding out on music. Toby also coaches freeride skiing for the Jackson Hole Ski Club and runs skateboard camps in the summer.