Trout in Big Horn River need a rest

“The best fly fishing in the country,” is what some are calling the short stretch of the Big Horn River from Wedding of the Waters through Thermopolis. Newspapers, magazines and television have been luring anglers from all parts of the country, as far as New York, Louisiana and Texas, giving the local economy a ‘shot in the arm.’ A history of other rivers, once considered, great fisheries, are fished out and only “so-so” today. The Big Horn is now the champion attraction. Along with the increase of fishermen and “tubers” comes empty cans, plastic bags, articles of clothing and even defeated inner tubes littering the stream.

A group of concerned citizens are trying to organize a charter, who, up to now, call themselves “River Keepers” for lack of a better name. They are trying to address concerns to save the river and fish. In the past couple of months “Keepers” invited speakers from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and “Trout Unlimited” for suggestions. The group is seeking the community’s input, helpful suggestions and interested folks to join the club. Is there need for such a group? They think there is. Their immediate goal is to educate those using the river on ways to protect it’s habitat.

According to the Game and Fish the number of fishermen is not their biggest concern but river conditions. Studies show high water is beneficial to the fish. Local Game Warden Benge Brown believes the high water helped small fish find protection in roots of Russian Olives and other shrubbery.

Cory Toye, Wyoming Water Project Director of Trout Unlimited, encourages catch and release fishermen to return trout as quickly as possible. Removing fishhooks without taking fish from the water help them survive.

After their fight to get off the hook, trout suffer being man handled to show them off and be photographed. Trout are exhausted and dying after the fight. They desperately need a lifesaving breath of water through their gills and to rest.