Other suggestions include using heavier tippet and line to quickly reel in and release the fish, always wetting your hands before handling a fish, and to keep the fish submerged while unhooking and releasing it. “Anglers can monitor water temperatures on their own and stop fishing when water temperatures start to approach 70 degrees,” she said. Martin also urged anglers to add a hand-held thermometer to their fishing kits so they can test the waters they intend to fish. ![]() If water seems too warm or fish appear lethargic, it would be best to call it a day or find another fishing opportunity at higher elevations.” “We need their help to conserve these resources and that’s why we’re asking anglers to carefully consider the water and weather conditions when they go fishing. “We know that anglers care deeply about these cold-water trout fisheries,” said Parks and Wildlife NW Region Senior Aquatic Biologist Lori Martin. These voluntary closures will remain in effect until further notice, with a possibility of a mandatory emergency closure to all fishing if conditions worsen or angler compliance becomes problematic. Unhook and return them quickly to the water,” the watershed council said in its forecast. “When temperatures reach concern levels ( > 65☏) don’t play or fight fish. Eagle River from the Eagle County Fairgrounds at Eagle to the confluence with the Colorado River at Dotsero.Colorado River from the Colorado Highway 9 bridge crossing at Kremmling downstream to State Bridge.Colorado River from the confluence with the Fraser River near Granby downstream to the confluence with the Williams Fork River at Parshall.Fraser River from the County Road 8 bridge crossing at Fraser downstream to the confluence with the Colorado River near Granby.The following voluntary closures are underway: Numerous rivers are facing similar conditions. Water temperature predictions for Friday, July 15, 2022, based on a predictive model developed by Lotic Hydrological.Įagle River Watershed Council/Courtesy image ‘Don’t play or fight’ They’re wondering why large Front Range providers are not reducing their transmountain diversions to join the River District in aiding Colorado’s namesake river and the livelihoods it supports.” “Our constituents are asking for help to address the river’s unhealthy conditions causing fish kills. “We can’t fix this situation alone,” Langenhuizen stated. The river district said more action is needed, urging Front Range water providers to act in partnership with West Slope water users to protect the health of the Upper Colorado River. ![]() ![]() “Colorado Parks & Wildlife’s fishing closures are symptomatic of a larger issue that needs the attention of all water users.” “Since the beginning of July, these new-normal conditions are having major impacts on the Upper Colorado River ecosystem,” Langenhuizen said. The Colorado River District pointed out that this marks the second consecutive year in which low flows and high water temperatures have created critical conditions on the Upper Colorado. “We’ve also received reports of dead fish along the riverbanks … Our District has and will continue to do our part with voluntary releases when water is available from our limited resources at Wolford Mountain Reservoir.” Action needed on Front Range “Our constituents are seeing fish floating by belly-up and struggling to survive current hot temperatures,” said Brendon Langenhuizen, the River District’s Director of Technical Advocacy. The district also released water from Wolford Mountain Reservoir last weekend, generating approximately 200 acre-feet of water. “Limited West Slope water supplies will inhibit the River District’s ability to fully address temperature and flow issues, however,” the district said in a release issued Friday. ![]() On Friday morning the district began releasing an additional 50 cubic feet-per-second from Wolford Mountain Reservoir, with plans to continue through Sunday, providing another 300 acre-feet of water for the river by Monday morning. The Upper Colorado recorded temperatures of 72 degrees on Thursday at several recording stations including Catamount and Dotsero in Eagle County.
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