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Wildlife officials in Casper are asking anglers to shift their fishing to mornings as record warmth and low streamflows push river temperatures to levels that threaten trout survival. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department says afternoon water temperatures are often climbing past safe limits, and volunteers are being asked to avoid catch-and-release fishing after midday.
Higher water means less oxygen and greater stress on trout after a fight — a growing concern as drought and hot weather linger across the region.
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Where the voluntary pause applies
The department has announced a voluntary catch-and-release pause from **noon until sunrise** on specific waters to reduce stress on trout populations. Anglers are asked to “fish early and be done by noon” on these stretches:
- North Platte River — from the Lusby boat ramp downstream to the dam at the Dave Johnston Power Plant
- Deer Creek — at the Deer Creek Canyon public access area, south of Glenrock
These reaches were singled out because they combine elevated afternoon temperatures with heavy catch-and-release pressure. Signs explaining the voluntary afternoon closure are posted at major public access points.
Temperature thresholds and recommended actions
Water temperature is the key factor. As temperatures rise, the ability of trout to recover after being caught falls sharply. The department recommends the following actions based on measured water temperatures:
- At 65°F: Prefer harvest over catch-and-release when it’s legal and practical, to avoid returning stressed fish to warm water.
- At 70°F: Stop catch-and-release fishing for the remainder of the day.
- Above 75°F: Conditions are dangerous for trout; survival drops quickly.
- Brief exposures above 80°F are often lethal to trout.
Anglers who intend to keep fish within legal daily limits can continue fishing; keeping harvested fish removes the need to release exhausted or heat-stressed trout back into warm water.
On-the-water guidance
Game and Fish urges anglers to carry a thermometer and check temperatures before and during trips. Warm nights can prevent rivers from cooling, so morning readings are not always a guarantee that afternoon temps will be safe.
- Carry a pocket stream thermometer and recheck temps during the trip.
- Minimize fight time — land fish quickly to reduce exhaustion.
- Keep fish submerged while handling and use barbless hooks when possible to speed hook removal.
- When a fish is deep-hooked or severely fatigued, and regulations allow, consider harvesting instead of releasing.
“Wyoming anglers want healthy rivers,” said Matt Hahn, Casper fisheries supervisor. “Shifting effort to the coolest part of the day gives released trout a much better chance to recover as flows decline and temperatures climb.”
Officials have also noted recent trout die-offs in small, shallow waters around Casper — including Yesness Pond — attributing those events to elevated temperatures rather than disease or contamination. While the situation is concerning, the department says it can be mitigated through temperature-aware angling practices.
For anglers heading to the water this week: check local temperatures, plan to fish between sunrise and noon when possible, and err on the side of caution if readings approach or exceed 70°F. Small changes in timing and technique can make a substantial difference for trout survival as hot, dry conditions persist.
