There has been an explosion of “Voluntary Water Closures ” this year. What does that mean? Why is this happening? Can you and I fish? What should you do if you see anglers fishing? Will all of the fish die? Let’s discuss!
What is a voluntary water closure?
A volunatry water closure comes from the Colorado Parks and Wildlife ( CPW). It is a request for anglers to stop fishing a certain stretch of water.
What is the REASON for a water closure?
The reason CPW closes a section of water to fishing is to protect the resource ( The Fish!) . When the water temperatures rise, it starts to put stress on the fish by depleting the amount of oxygen available in the water. Catching a fish in hot water is a lot like me asking you to sprint around a track while holding your breath. It leads to high mortality rates and hurts the fishery.
Why does this seem to happen every year?
The bulk of our water comes from snowmelt and rain. Low snow accumulation from the winter and/or a hot spring means that our snowpack melted early, leaving us with lower/warmer water conditions. As we continue into the heat of the summer, the water warms up to a temperature not ideal for cold-water fish like trout. The only things left to cool the rivers is rain and/or colder weather patterns.
What are the magic temperatures?
The rule of thumb is to stop fishing when the water hits 68 degrees. This is debatable by a degree here or there, depending on who is talking. But knowing the WHY helps make informed decisions.
Can I still fish?
YES! The closure are there to help educate and advocate for the fishery. We suggest following the closure rules, but don’t be afraid to fish during open times. We still have plenty of open water. Elevation gains yield cooler temperatures. Use that information to your advantage. Take a thermometer with you and test the water before and during your outing to be sure! See this video below for tips on how to properly handle and release fish.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZSXh2gCkUo
What should I do if I see people fishing?
Will anyone currently get arrested or get a ticket for fishing the voluntary closure? No. We can do our part by educating ourselves and to sharing information with one another. Reading up on this topic is a great start and a friendly conversation goes a long way!
Will all of the fish die?
Let’s hope not! We know fish change feeding patterns in hot water and eat less. Algae can bloom. Immune functions can become depressed. These rainy afternoons and cooler evening are certainly making an impact and let’s hope they stay consistent.
Current Information on River Closures :
https://cpw.state.co.us/thingstodo/Pages/StatewideFishingConditions.aspx
