JACKSON, Wyo. — Continuous warm days and little precipitation have led to rising water temperatures in local streams, and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) is reminding anglers of proper guidelines for fishing in the heat.

According to an announcement from WGFD, declining water levels and rising water temperatures can threaten trout and other cold-water fish. This pressure can be exacerbated when the fish are also dealing with the stress of being caught. Warm water holds less dissolved oxygen, which makes it more difficult for fish to recover after being caught and released, per WGFD. Yellowstone National Park recently closed three rivers to afternoon fishing due to water temperatures above 68ºF.

“When [river] temperatures exceed 70 degrees, the mortality rate for catch-and-release trout increases significantly,” WGFD said. “Late afternoon readings on the Snake River and some of its tributaries have already approached 68 degrees, with conditions expected to worsen.”

WGFD staff will continue to monitor water temperatures to determine if local fisheries need more protective action. “While the department relies on anglers to voluntarily limit fishing during extreme heat, a formal voluntary closure or an emergency closure may be implemented if necessary to protect the resource,” said WGFD Jackson Region Fisheries Supervisor Darren Rhea. If a closure were to be enacted, WGFD would notify the public, and signs would be posted at access points to inform anglers.

Anglers are urged to abide by the following practices when fishing during the summer heat:

  • Limit fishing to morning hours before water temps peak in the late afternoon.
  • Monitor real-time conditions using the Snake River Basin Streamflow and Water Temperature tool on the U.S. Geological Survey website.
  • Consider using a hand-held thermometer to periodically check water temperatures while fishing.
  • Minimize fish exhaustion by landing them quickly and keeping them in the water while handling.
  • Practice proper fish handling: Avoid squeezing; keep fingers out of gills; and remove hooks gently.
  • Keep fish that cannot maintain balance — exhausted fish are unlikely to survive if released.

Monica is a Staff Reporter who studied journalism at Syracuse University and has been in the valley since 2015. She loves writing about the local food and bev scene, especially craft beer. When she’s not on the clock, you can find her paddle boarding, sewing, or whipping up a new recipe at home.