Western US Heat Stress and Low Flows

Record warmth and drought are stressing trout across the West. Wyoming's North Platte and Deer Creek have urgent advisories for early morning fishing and voluntary catch-and-release pauses above 65°F. New Mexico reports severe drought with Elephant Butte at 1.4% capacity and toxic algae warnings. Colorado rivers have heat advisories, and the Clark Fork advises early-morning fishing to reduce stress. Central Oregon now reports Metolius and Deschutes rivers hitting 67-68°F after lunch with early October caddis and bull trout spawning caution. This is a developing situation with widespread impact on summer fishing.