3/17/2008 |
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INCREASED WATER FLOWS TO BENEFIT TROUT IN NORTH PLATTE RIVER CASPER-- The Wyoming Game and Fish Department would like sportsmen to be aware that fluctuating flows are planned for the North Platte River beginning March 17 as part of a flushing flow project.
The department requested the flushing flow to clean fine sediments from fish spawning habitats and to increase production of invertebrates that fish depend on for food. The flushing flow will also move more water into side channels, which are important nurseries for fry and juvenile fish.
The Bureau of Reclamation will begin a series of fluctuating flows from Gray Reef Reservoir in the early morning hours beginning Monday, March 17. Flows currently at 500 cfs will increase to 4,000 cfs and will then gradually decrease each day, with the maximum flow occurring between 3-7 a.m. The schedule will be repeated on March 18, 19, 20 and 21. The flows below Gray Reef Dam will then be stabilized at approximately 500 cfs for the remainder of the month.
"The department thanks the Bureau of Reclamation and river users for their cooperation with the flushing flows," said Al Conder, Casper region fish supervisor for the Game and Fish. "The river conditions warrant them."
The Game and Fish advises sportsmen to be aware of the potential dangers related to flushing flows. "Sportsmen wading or floating the river during this time should consider the fluctuating water levels," Conder said. "Areas that can be waded effectively at 500 cfs may not be accessible at 4,000 cfs."
Some anglers avoid the periods of flushing flows and others enjoy fishing around it because of the increase in food availability that can potentially stimulate feeding. "But it does make it more difficult to wade," he said.
Flushing flows are especially important to fish populations during years of drought when the lower flows increase sediment accumulation. Flushing flows are normally scheduled for completion by March to avoid impacting spawning rainbows. -WGFD
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