Anglers need to go with the flow this fishing season

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is warning anglers that Western Colorado’s rivers and streams are running into tougher fishing conditions due to low snowpack and an unusually warm spring. CPW says many streams saw earlier-than-normal runoff after abnormally warm March temperatures, and most rivers have also had lower peak flows than average. The shift can strain trout and other cold-water fish because warmer water holds less dissolved oxygen and reduced stream flows shrink habitat, increase disease risk, and heighten vulnerability to anglers and predators. CPW recommends fishing early, carrying a thermometer, and targeting higher-elevation waters; it also outlines handling steps and possible fishing closures if temperatures exceed 71°F or flows drop below half.