With persistent warm temperatures and low moisture levels impacting Teton County’s streams this summer, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) and Grand Teton National Park are encouraging anglers to adopt best practices to protect local trout populations. Rising water temperatures, recently approaching 68°F on the Snake River in late afternoons, reduce oxygen levels, threatening cold-water species like trout, especially when caught and released.High temperatures above 70°F significantly lower trout survival rates by increasing stress and hindering recovery. To minimize harm, anglers practicing catch-and-release are advised to:
- Land fish quickly to reduce exhaustion.
- Keep fish in the water as much as possible during handling.
- Avoid squeezing fish or touching their gills.
- Gently remove hooks to minimize injury.
- Fish in the morning when water temperatures are cooler.
If a fish appears too exhausted to swim upright, anglers should consider keeping it, as it may not survive release. WGFD fisheries supervisor Darren Rhea emphasized voluntary compliance, stating, “We would greatly prefer to rely on anglers… to limit their fishing during periods of extreme heat,” but noted that emergency closures could be enacted if needed to protect fisheries. Such closures would be announced with signs posted at access points.Both agencies are monitoring water conditions closely, with potential for further restrictions as hot, dry weather persists. For more details on responsible fishing, visit nps.gov/grte or contact the WGFD Jackson Regional Office at (307) 733-2321.
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