Wyoming Fishing Request – Eat Or Smoke Them

Wyoming Game and Fish has issued a request to Cowboy State anglers due to the hot weather. Stress levels are high for our finny friends and in order to care for them, our caretakers ask for gentle and intelligent handling of this precious resource. If you practice “catch and release,” you may want to take them home for dinner. I love a simple lemon, butter, salt & pepper recipe that turns out a simple and delicious meal. Smoked trout is always good for snacking or gifting.

The thing is, if the water temperature is too high, the fish will likely die. Let’s respect and utilize what Mother Nature has graced us with. That’s the broad strokes, here’s the fine points from Game & Fish, issued via Facebook::

“Anglers -water temperatures are warming around the state and that means more stress on cold water fish species.

Water temperature is particularly important for anglers practicing catch and release or where our regulations require fish to be released.

If you are practicing catch and release here are some things to consider during the dog days of summer:

Fish early in the morning while water temperature is cooler.

Carry a pocket thermometer and monitor the water temperature.
If the water temperature is at or above 70 degrees, consider keeping what you catch (within the regulations).

As water temperature increases, using the proper techniques to catch and release a fish become increasingly more important to help insure the fish has a chance to survive:

Play and land fish as rapidly as possible to reduce exhaustion stress.

Keep the fish in the water as much as possible.

Do not squeeze the fish or place fingers in the gills.

Remove the hook gently. If hooked deeply, cut the leader.

Flies and lures (single hook) are recommended whenever many fish are being caught and released.

Barbless hooks allow easier hook removal.

If a fish is exhausted and cannot hold itself upright, and if regulations allow, consider having it for supper because the fish has a poor chance of surviving.

Enjoy your fishing and if you're out feel free to tag us#wyofish!

I am a simple guy and cook that way. Got a great recipe for fish?