MOOSE, Wyo. — Grand Teton National Park (GTNP) is asking anglers, practicing catch and release, to adjust fishing practices during this hot stretch of the summer season.

According to a press release from the park, hot weather causes elevated water temperatures that are stressful for coldwater fish such as trout. Fishing compounds this stress and hampers the fish’s ability to recover when caught and released.

Water temperatures have exceeded 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) in recent days and the weather forecast calls for continued hot and dry conditions through the weekend, GTNP said.

Courtesy Grand Teton National Park.

GTNP offered these tips:

  • Fish early in the morning while the water temperature is cooler
  • Carry a pocket thermometer to monitor water temperature
  • It is recommended that anglers cease fishing at 2 p.m. when water temperatures are likely to exceed 68°F.

Proper catch and release techniques include:

  • Play and land fish quickly to reduce exhaustion and stress
  • Keep the fish in the water as much as possible
  • Gently handle the fish and let them recover before release
  • Remove the hook gently. If hooked deeply, cut the leader
  • Flies and lures are recommended whenever 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 keeping it because the fish’s chance of survival is poor,” according to the park.

Lindsay is a contributing reporter covering a little bit of everything; with an interest in local policies and politics, the environment and amplifying community voices. She's curious about uncovering the "whys" of our region and aims to inform the community about the issues that matter. In her free time, you can find her snowboarding, cooking or planning the next surf trip.