Watch out for heat-stressed fish, DEC says

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With the recent heat wave, the state’s Department of Environmental Conservation told the public earlier this week, be careful where you fish.

The agency advised fishermen to keep in mind the impact the heat has on “heat-stressed” fish and not to disturb fish gathered in high numbers because they’re most likely seeking relief from heat stress.

“Trout and salmon are cold-water fish that suffer when the water temperature rises above 70 degrees,” the DEC said. “They tend to seek refuge in pockets of cold water created by springs and small, feeder streams.”

Regina Willis, public participation specialist, DEC Region 8 Office of Communication Services, said during an extended period of hot weather, any small to mid-size stream is at risk of becoming warm enough to physically stress trout.

“Trout in streams the size of Oatka Creek and the Cohocton River could be affected. Trout are very good at finding cool water inputs in streams. It’s best to avoid fishing under these conditions,” she said.

“Anglers in this area have shown concern for the fish and the fishery,” Willis said.

Willis said an “Angling Tips to Help Trout and Salmon Beat the Heat” email went out to the statewide mailing list consisting of about 80,000 people who subscribed to DEC delivers and requested information related to fishing. Information was also posted on the DEC Facebook page on June 28. The tips include: • Avoid catch-and-release fishing for heat-stressed trout. Trout already weakened by heat stress are at risk of death no matter how carefully they are handled.

• Don’t disturb trout where they have gathered in unusually high numbers. Because these fish are likely to be suffering from heat stress and seeking relief, responsible anglers will not take unfair advantage of their distress.

• Fish early. Stream temperatures are at their coolest in the early morning.

• Go to Plan B. Have an alternate fishing plan ready in case water temperatures are too high at your intended destination. Consider fishing a water body that is less prone to heat stress or fishing for a more heat tolerant species like smallmouth bass.

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