Hot Weather Guidance – Freshwater Angling

With another spell of extremely warm weather forecast, NRW are urging freshwater anglers to take extra care while fishing to help protect vulnerable fish stocks.

The average water temperatures on the lower Wye and Usk have been exceeding 20 degrees regularly this summer. Lots of other Welsh rivers have similarly been affected, especially on their lower reaches, which are wider and do not benefit from shade.

20 degree plus water temperatures are too high for the safe return of a number of species, particularly salmon, sea trout, trout, grayling and pike. Even barbel can be vulnerable in extreme conditions.

The hot weather may cause problems in some rivers as already low river flows and elevated water temperatures can lead to increased levels of stress on fish populations. Catching fish in these conditions often leads to mortality, even after a careful release, since warm water holds a lot less oxygen.

Best practice in hot weather:

> Minimise time played and bring the fish in quickly.

> Handle the fish as little as possible and only with wet hands.

> Keep the fish in the water as much as possible – Total air exposure during the whole process should be under 10 seconds.

> Photograph fish in the water or lift just for just a few seconds – holding correctly (below the pectoral fins and on the tail wrist).

> Keep the fish in the water facing upstream to help it recover.

> Allow the fish to recover fully before releasing – the fish should be able to maintain an upright position and respond gently touching at the tail.

A thermometer reading can help you assess whether you should fish or not, but if in doubt, don’t.