Wyoming Game and Fish Department is strongly encouraging anglers to not fish Flat Creek on the refuge after 2:00 pm when it opens for fishing on August 1st. About 2:00 pm is when water temperatures are at their highest.
The temperature rises as late summer water levels drop. Warm water is a threat to trout and other cold-water species. Fish stress more rapidly in warmer water because the water holds less oxygen, which hampers a fish’s ability to recover from the rigors of being caught. As water temperature approaches 70 degrees, the chance for cutthroat trout to survive being caught and released is reduced.
Additionally, it is recommended that anglers throughout the region practice catch and release angling, play and land fish as quickly as possible to reduce exhaustion stress.
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