Game and Fish Warns Warm Water Can Be Deadly As Stocking Begins

News – Sheridan Media

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While appearing on Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse, Wyoming Game and Fish Department Sheridan Fisheries Biologist Andrew Nikirk told listeners that local ponds, lakes and waterways are currently being stocked for this year’s anglers. 

Nikirk also urged anglers to ensure the temperatures of the waters in which they are fishing are cool enough to not stress or kill fish. 

A. Nikirk

According to the Game and Fish, trout die after prolonged exposure to water temperatures greater than 75 degrees Fahrenheit, and brief exposure to temperatures over 80 degrees are lethal. Fish stress quicker in low-oxygen, warm water, which greatly hampers a fish’s ability to recover from the rigors of being caught. However, as water temperatures approach 70 degrees the chance for any fish species to survive being caught and released is reduced.  

Anglers who adjust their practices can help more fish survive the heat. Game and Fish asks all anglers practicing catch-and-release to consider the following:

• 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 you catch within the regulations. If the temperature is 70 degrees or higher, do not attempt to catch-and-release fish. 

As water temperature increases, using the proper techniques to catch and release a fish becomes increasingly important to help ensure the fish has a chance to survive:

• 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.

Learn more about fishing in the heat by clicking here.

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Last modified: April 11, 2026