Utah wildlife officials warn of fishing impacts during extreme summer conditions

UTAH — The Division of Wildlife Resources is asking anglers to take extra precautions as the state prepares for extreme heat and drought conditions this summer. 

Drought and high temperatures put strain on fish populations. “This smaller amount of water heats more quickly and warms to higher temperatures,” Utah DWR Sportfish Coordinator Trina Hedrick said. “Warm water also holds less oxygen than colder water. The combination of high temperatures and low oxygen can stress many coldwater fish species — like trout — which causes poor growth and disease.”

Trout in low-elevation waterbodies have the greatest likelihood of being impacted by the drought conditions in southern Utah this year, according to DWR, but low water levels and high water temperatures can affect all fish species. 

The DWR recommends that boat fishers should visit their favorite Utah lakes and reservoirs early in the season. Water levels at some reservoirs and lakes could reach low enough levels that boat ramps may not be functional. Anglers can check for updates on each waterbody to see if the ramps are open, especially later in the summer.

Future of Utah fishing

With hot summer temperatures becoming a new normal in Utah, the DWR is adapting their long-term management strategies to ensure the continued health and viability of Utah’s aquatic resources. 

One aspect of this strategy includes raising and stocking more warmwater fish species as waterbodies become less tolerable for coldwater species.

“Warmwater fish are better adapted to warmer temperatures and slightly less oxygen in their environment,” Hedrick said. “This will not only provide additional angling opportunities, but will also allow us to maintain fishing in areas that may be more prone to hot, drought conditions.” 

The details of the adjusted management plan are still being fleshed out, according to Department of Natural Resources Public Information Officer Faith Jolley.

Fishing during a hot, drought year

If you want to give the fish you catch and release a better chance of survival during the drought, you should consider fishing in the mornings or evenings when temperatures are cooler, recommends the DWR. You can also pick fishing spots in deeper, cooler water, so you can release any caught fish into an area where they are more likely to survive. 

“Basically, try not to fish near little coves that have shallow, stagnant warm water,” Hedrick said. “Instead, pick a spot where you can release your fish into better quality water to increase their survival rates during this hot, drought year.” 

Tips for handling fish to decrease stress

• Use single hooks on lures and bend down the barbs for easy release.
• Minimize the time you spend “fighting” the fish and any hands-on handling.
• Use rubber or coated nylon nets to protect a fish’s slime layer and fins.
• Quickly remove the hook with forceps or needle-nosed pliers. 
• Try to release the fish without removing it from the water. If you do have to remove it from the water to free it, minimize the amount of time the fish is exposed to the air. And keep your hands wet when handling the fish. 
• If the fish is deeply hooked, don’t pull on the line. Instead, cut the line as close as possible to where it is hooked and leave the hook.
• Allow the fish to recover in the net before you release it.
• If the fish doesn’t stay upright when you release it, gently move it back and forth or consider harvesting it, if it’s within your statewide limit for that species.