New York Agency Asks Anglers To Spare Heat-Stressed Trout

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — As a heat wave scorches the region, New York state environmental officials are asking anglers to be considerate of heat-stressed fish.

Trout and salmon are cold-water fish that suffer when water warms up above 70 degrees. They tend to seek refuge in pockets of cold water created by springs and small feeder streams. The Department of Environmental Conservation is asking anglers not to disturb fish gathered in unusually high numbers because they're likely seeking relief from heat stress.

The agency also recommends avoiding catch-and-release fishing for heat-stressed trout because they're unlikely to survive no matter how carefully they're handled.

DEC says more heat-tolerant species like smallmouth bass are less prone to heat stress.