Anglers asked to help protect fish in foothills streams

July 28, 2009

Anglers asked to help protect fish in foothills streams

Edmonton... The recent spell of hot weather, coupled with declining stream
flows, is pushing water temperatures to critically high levels on lower
portions of many foothills' trout and mountain whitefish streams. Water
temperatures as high as 26.5 C have been recorded on some foothills streams
between Rocky Mountain House and the Montana border.

High water temperatures and low flows place fish populations under
considerable stress. Anglers can help by voluntarily avoiding angling on
portions of trout streams where they encounter water temperatures 22 C or
higher. Reducing angling means less stress on fish while these temperature
conditions persist.

Sustainable Resource Development will continue to monitor the situation to
determine when conditions have improved, or if further advisories are
required.

[marlin1]

hopefully this cooler weather will help soon ,thanks for posting

[Scratch]

Thanks Sheephunter -

Here is the full release, with background information...


July 28, 2009

Anglers asked to help protect fish in foothills streams

Edmonton... The recent spell of hot weather, coupled with declining stream flows, is pushing water temperatures to critically high levels on lower portions of many foothills’ trout and mountain whitefish streams. Water temperatures as high as 26.5 C have been recorded on some foothills streams between Rocky Mountain House and the Montana border.

High water temperatures and low flows place fish populations under considerable stress. Anglers can help by voluntarily avoiding angling on portions of trout streams where they encounter water temperatures 22 C or higher. Reducing angling means less stress on fish while these temperature conditions persist.

Sustainable Resource Development will continue to monitor the situation to determine when conditions have improved, or if further advisories are required.

-30-

Backgrounder: Questions and answers on the high stream temperature advisory

Media inquiries may be directed to:
Trisha LeTilley
Communications
Alberta Sustainable Resource Development
780-427-8636
To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000.

Backgrounder

July 28, 2009

Anglers asked to take precautions while fishing in eastern slopes streams

Why is there an advisory?
Due to high water temperatures in many streams and rivers along the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains, anglers are being asked for their cooperation to restrict fishing to those waters where stream temperatures are below 22 C (72 F).

What is the affected area?

High stream temperatures have been recorded along foothill streams stretching between Rocky Mountain House and the Alberta-Montana border.

Can I still fish?

Yes. Anglers can continue fishing, however, by planning ahead and taking a few precautions, anglers can avoid adding stress to trout and mountain whitefish they catch and release. Some things anglers should consider include:

* avoiding streams where high temperatures are common;
* fishing during early mornings or late evenings to avoid periods of highest water temperatures;
* carrying a thermometer to check water temperatures before angling, and if they are above
22 C, refrain from angling in that location;
* minimizing the handling time of fish by reducing playing time; and
* refraining from photographing trout and releasing them as quickly as possible.

How are fish affected by high water temperatures?

Optimum temperatures for many trout species is in the range of 15 C. Some streams currently have water temperatures that are approaching lethal limits for trout. As stream temperatures rise, the amount of oxygen that the water can hold diminishes, and trout experience higher stress levels. Capturing fish during this period increases oxygen demands and places further stress on trout and whitefish resulting in higher risk of fish mortality. In addition to higher water temperatures, streams typically have less water flowing during the late summer leading to increased stress to fish.

What do I do if I see a large number of dead fish?

Anglers should report any observations of large fish kills to their nearest Fish and Wildlife office. For toll-free access, call 310-0000.

Reports of fish kills should include:

* date and time of the observed fish kill;
* water body and/or location of fish kill for further investigation; and
* approximate number and species killed.

How long will the advisory last?
The voluntary restriction to fishing will remain in effect until maximum daily stream temperatures remain below 22 C for at least five consecutive days. If high temperatures persist for an extended period of time, anglers can expect to see regulated closures of certain streams to protect fish during this critical period.

-30-

Media inquiries may be directed to:
Trisha LeTilley
Communications
Alberta Sustainable Resource Development
780-427-8636
To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000.

[FisherPotch]

Good informative thread here. Thanks for the info. What are you fellas thoughts on water temp at lower kani? Doing a mid august trip but if water temp is too hi we mite have to think of another plan.

[Scratch]

Water temps can fluctuate rapidly in streams, over the course of hours in some cases. You'll have to make a gut call on things when the time comes. This year, water is low in many of these streams, so they will be affected much more quickly than during higher flows.

At the end of the day - let the thermometer, and your conscience be your guide.

/g

[smitty9]

I am bumping this thread up to remind people, as we do have a long weekend coming up.

Keep an eye on those temps, life in a stream for trout is relatively tough to begin with, never mind the additional stress of low water and higher temps.

Would it be useful to have the moderators make this a sticky?

Smitty

[smitty9]

Its an important issue, and we have a long weekend, starting right about now.

One last bump.

Please take care out there. Lately it has been hot, stream flows are down in many places, take the time to get a quick temperature reading.

If you have no thermometer, use your head and common sense. If you've caught a fish and have trouble reviving it, consider going elsewhere.

If the water is so warm that wet wading isn't that uncomfortable, then consider going elsewhere.

Try to go early in the morning or later in the day. Most stream temps peak between noon and 3pm.

Have fun, catch some fish, protect our relatively fragile eastern slopes watersheds.

Mike