DEC Ask Anglers to Help Heat-Stressed Trout and Salmon

The DEC is urging anglers this summer fishing season to follow a few simple steps when planning trout and salmon fishing trips.

This past spring, trout living in streams benefited from abundant rainfall and cool weather conditions that promote the growth and survival of these popular game fish. However, with the steamy days of summer approaching, it is important to remember that trout and salmon can experience physical stress whenever water temperatures climb above 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

In streams, heat-stressed fish will seek deep pockets of cold water, small feeder streams, or water released from deep reservoirs. These refuges allow trout to avoid or recover from potentially fatal levels of heat stress.

Anglers can help trout and salmon by taking the following precautions during warm-weather fishing trips:

Avoid catch-and-release fishing for heat-stressed trout on hot days
Do not disturb trout where they have gathered in unusually high numbers
Fish early in the day
Have Plan B ready

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, responsible anglers can help New York State's trout and salmon to beat the heat

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