Stream temps already uncomfortably high for trout, salmon
FISHING -- Stream temperatures are spiking high much earlier than normal because the region's snowpack already has disappeared.
The Snake River near Anatone is reading 72.32 degrees F, that's about 8 degrees warmer than the median for this date.
The Okanogan River at Malott is at 78.62 degrees F, nearly 15 degrees higher than the median temperature for this date.
High water temps are bad news for fish, especially trout, salmon and steelhead.
Warmer water can form a "thermal barrier" that prevents salmon and steelhead from leaving the Columbia and heading up the Snake toward Idaho. A thermal barrier at the mouth of the Okanagon may keep sockeye stacking up in the Columbia near Brewster. Fishermen can play these temperature issues to their favor in some cases.
But that doesn't mean anglers should overplay stressed fish, especially when trout or salmon are being released.
Be prepared to employ your most sensitive catch and release techniques, such as using stouter rods and heavier leaders to reel in fish as fast as possible for release without taking the fish out of the water.
Expect emergency restrictions to be announced this summer, possibly prohibiting trout fishing in the afternoons in some waters.
Links to USGS gauge and temperature readings for some streams can be found here:
Here are some Celsius to Fahrenheit conversions to help you process the information on the chart.
- 17C = 62.6F
- 18C = 64.4F
- 19C = 66.2F
- 20C = 68F
- 21C = 69.8F
- 22C = 71.6F
