If you are looking forward to a summer of fishing, the Division of Wildlife Resources is getting the message out that the current drought is anticipated to impact fish by reducing the amount of water available in lakes, reservoirs and streams throughout the state. According to a Thursday press release, having less water affects fish in multiple ways. Trout in low-elevation waterbodies have the greatest likelihood of being impacted by the drought this year, but low water levels and high water temperatures can affect all fish species. If you enjoy fishing from a boat, you should try to visit your favorite lakes and reservoirs as soon — and as often — as you possibly can. Water levels at some reservoirs and lakes could be so low by July that boat ramps may not be functional. Before you plan a boating trip, be sure to check for updates on each waterbody to see if the ramps are open, especially later in the summer. 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. Another way to help fish is to pick a fishing spot that has 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,” explains DWR Sportfish Coordinator Randy Oplinger. “Instead, pick a spot where you can release your fish into better quality water to increase their survival rates during this hot, drought year.” Brett Prettyman of Trout Unlimited shares that “the additional stress of being caught could easily be the final blow during drought situations. Unless you plan to keep the fish, you should consider not fishing when conditions could be fatal to the fish, particularly where fisheries are sustained by natural recruitment.”
