JACKSON, Wyo. — The Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) is warning anglers that while Flat Creek on the National Elk Refuge opened to fishing Thursday, August 1, a voluntary closure could go into effect given warm water temperatures.
Recent temperatures have been measuring close to 70 degrees on the creek in the late afternoons, a level that can pose a danger to cold-water fish like trout when they are caught and released. This has led WGFD to alert those planning to fish the creek that they might see temporary closures.
“Unless weather patterns change and conditions cool, the department will look to issue a voluntary closure of Flat Creek,” WGFD said in a statement.
Regulations governing Flat Creek require anglers to release a caught fish immediately unless it’s over 20 inches long. WGFD strongly encourages people to not fish Flat Creek during voluntary closures, which it will put in place with signage if the weather keeps warming the creek.
For those who choose to fish the creek, WGFD advises taking the following precautions:
- Land fish quickly to avoid exhaustion stress.
- Keep fish in the water as much as possible, not squeezing them or putting fingers in their gills.
- Remove hooks gently.
- Limit angling to the morning hours when temperatures are cooler.
Anglers looking for additional information can can contact the Wyoming Game and Fish Department Jackson Regional office at 307-733-2321.
