JACKSON, Wyo. — Grand Teton National Park (GTNP) is asking anglers fishing its waters to take precautions to reduce stress on fish brought on by high temperatures.
“Our fish are in hot water!” the park warned on its Facebook page, noting that the current forecast for the area predicts hot, dry weather.
As air temperatures rise, so do water temps, and this can put stress on cold-water fish like trout. The catch-and-release process can exacerbate these effects. This is why GTNP is asking anglers to take the following precautions if they’re going to catch and release:
- Fish early in the morning when water temps are cooler. Cease fishing at 2 p.m. or when water temperatures rise about 68 degrees F.
- Carry a pocket thermometer to monitor water temperature.
- Keep fish wet and release quickly after catching.
This warning echoes those issued by other agencies including the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. Yellowstone National Park has closed selected waters to either fishing altogether or fishing before 2.p.m. due to warm temperatures.
