Craig Daily Press / Anglers reminded to monitor water temps

Archive for Tuesday, August 14, 2012

August 14, 2012

Drought conditions and low water flows throughout the state have Colorado Parks and Wildlife reminding anglers to monitor water temperature when they are out fishing, the agency reported in a news release.

Colorado Hunter magazine

For more information about hunting in Northwest Colorado as well as stories from local residents, see the 2012 Colorado Hunter Magazine. Click here to see the e-edition.

2012 Colorado Hunter magazine

Several water-specific recommendations have already been requested this summer, however aquatic biologists recognize that fish can be stressed due to temperatures in many different coldwater fishing locations, according to the release.

"Handling fish in waters that are 68 degrees and above can put undue stress on them, causing mortalities and compromising the fishery as a whole," said Ken Kehmeier, senior aquatic biologist for the Northeast region, in the release. "We ask that anglers keep in mind the production opportunity of a fishery and not solely the fishing opportunity. Get out and fish, but bring along a thermometer and try to fish early in the day for the best opportunities."

For more information about fishing in places not affected by low flows, please visit: http://wildlife.state.co.us/Fishing/Pages/Fishing.aspx.