WYOMING — Due to hot summer temperatures across Wyoming, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) is asking anglers to adjust their fishing practices since warmer flowing streams and rivers can affect fish survival, especially Wyoming’s trout.

“It’s that time of year when water temperatures are highest,” WGFD Fish Division Chief Alan Osterland said in a statement. “Warmer surface temperatures have the potential to be lethal to trout. Warm water also holds less oxygen which can stress not only trout, but also all fish.” 

WGFD notes that trout can die after prolonged exposure to water temps exceeding 75 degrees F, and even brief exposure to water over 80 degrees can be deadly. Warmer water and lower oxygen make it tougher for fish to survive being caught and released. Anglers are encouraged to stop the practice of catch and release when water temperatures hit 70 degrees.

“Practice self-restraint to help fish survive,” Osterland said.

WGFD asks anglers to follow these guidelines:

  • 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’s been caught within the regulations. If the temperature is 70 degrees or higher, do not attempt to catch and release fish. 
  • 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.”