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Angling tips to help trout and salmon beat the heat

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation sent this bulletin on 08/11/2016 10:59 AM EDT

Angling tips to help trout and salmon beat the heat
During the steamy “dog days” of August, it is important to remember that trout and salmon (coldwater sportfish) experience serious physical stress whenever water temperatures climb above 70° Fahrenheit.  Heat stressed fish often seek pockets of cold water created by upwelling groundwater, small feeder streams, or water released from deep reservoirs.  These refuges allow trout to avoid or recover from potentially fatal levels of heat stress. You can help by taking the following precautions during your warm weather fishing trips.

  • Avoid catch and release fishing for heat stressed trout. Trout already weakened by heat stress are at risk of death no matter how carefully they are handled.
  • Don’t disturb trout where they have gathered in unusually high numbers. Because these fish are likely to be suffering from heat stress and seeking relief, responsible anglers will not take unfair advantage of their situation.
  • Fish Early. Stream temperatures are at their coolest in the early morning.
  • Go to Plan B! Have an alternate fishing plan ready in case water temperatures are too high at your intended destination.  Consider fishing a water body that is less prone to heat stress or fishing for a more heat tolerant species like smallmouth bass.

Based on current conditions, NYSDEC fisheries managers request that anglers be particularly mindful of temperatures on the following waters:

  • Salmon River (Oswego County)
  • Esopus Creek (Ulster County)
  • West Canada Creek (Oneida County)

When fishing tailwaters, such as those below New York City water supply reservoirs, remember that the cooling influence of reservoir releases will not extend as far downstream during periods of intense heat.  By paying attention to water temperatures and adapting fishing strategies to changing conditions, anglers can help New York State’s trout and salmon to beat the heat.

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