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Limit trout fishing in hot weather
During periods of very hot weather and low flow conditions, stress caused by sportfishing may result in higher mortality of fish that are caught and released from Alberta's foothills streams. Anglers can help by avoiding fishing for trout any time water temperatures exceed about 22°C. Water temperatures are usually highest in late afternoon, and lower in early morning and late evening. Like humans, fish require oxygen for breathing. Oxygen enters water bodies as the by-product of photosynthesis in aquatic plants, or is drawn from the air through turbulence or waves. Temperature is one factor that affects the amount of dissolved oxygen that water can hold. When water temperatures increase, the amount of oxygen available to fish is reduced. Angling during very hot weather can cause additional stress on fish by increasing their oxygen demands, which may lead to unnecessary mortality. Southwestern Alberta has lower than normal flows in some streams for this time of year. This places further restrictions on the amount of oxygen available and results in shallow water warming to higher than favourable temperatures. Please do your part to ensure the trout in your favourite fishing stream can survive to allow for future angling opportunities. For more information on fishing in Alberta , visit:
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