TU in Action: High stream temps in Colorado, Vermont; pipeline concerns; California water, and more

Photo by Breckenridge Outfitters

For the first time in at least two decades, two high-country trout streams in Colorado are closed to fishing, albeit voluntarily. Stretches of the Fraser and upper Colorado Rivers are closed between 2 p.m. and midnight to give trout dealing with extremely warm water temperatures — tributary streams emptying into the rivers were measured at 72.5 degrees (70 degrees is extremely stressful for trout, in part due to low dissoved oxygen, and 74 degrees can prove fatal). 

Kirk Klancke, president of the Colorado River Headwaters chapter of Trout Unlimited, noted that this summer has been particularly hot and dry, with minimal monsoon moisture hitting the high country. That's why the state Parks and Wildlife Department and the local TU chapter are asking anglers to voluntarily stop fishing during the hottest time of day, and to give trout a chance to catch a breather once the sun goes down and stream temperatures cool off. 

Here's what else is happening in the TU universe this week: 

• TU is but one of several conservation groups working to address the concerns of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline as it runs through Virginia. 
• TU's Rene Henery chimes in on the importance of water to the future of California, particularly if salmon and steelhead are to persist in the Golden State. 
• The Vermont Council of Trout Unlimited is asking anglers, during high summer, to chase warm-water fish instead of trout. The West isn't the only region feeling the impacts of warming temperatures and warming water. 
• The Adirondak Chapter of Trout Unlimited is part of the coalition working to restore the fabled Aus Sable after the remnants of Hurricane Irene caused some serious damage to the watershed.

Every day, TU is in the news across America, working to make fishing better. If your chapter or council is involved in newsworthy conservation work on your local waters, send a note to TU's Chris Hunt. We'd love to get the word out.