It is no secret that this has been a strange water year across the West. Between lingering drought conditions, below-average runoff in many areas, and a stretch of hot summer temperatures, anglers are seeing the effects firsthand.
As of yesterday, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department instituted a voluntary warm-water catch-and-release closure from noon until sunrise on select waters in the Casper area. For anglers, that means getting out early and wrapping up fishing by noon. The affected waters include the North Platte River from the Lusby Boat Ramp downstream to the Dave Johnston Power Plant Dam and Deer Creek from Deer Creek Canyon Public Access Area south of Glenrock.
Whether you fish the North Platte River, Deer Creek, or any other Wyoming fishery, now is the time to pay close attention to water temperatures. Carrying a stream thermometer should be as standard as carrying a pair of nippers. In short, fish early, keep an eye on water temperatures, and give trout the best chance possible to make it through another hot Wyoming summer.
