Flushing flow to aid Big Horn River trout

 

March 28, 2017



CODY — The Wyoming Game and Fish Department cautions sportsmen and recreationists to be aware of sizable increases in water flows in the Big Horn River March 28 as part of a flushing flow project.

The Bureau of Reclamation will begin releasing additional water from Boysen Reservoir causing flows in the river below Boysen Dam to fluctuate from 2000 cubic feet per second (cfs) to 5000 cfs. Beginning Tuesday, March 28 at 2 a.m., the release of water from Boysen Dam will be increased to 3,000 cfs, and further increased to 5,000 cfs at approximately 7 a.m. for 10 hours before being reduced gradually back to 2,000 cfs at approximately midnight.

Game and Fish advises the public 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. Areas that could be waded effectively prior to increases in flows may not be accessible at 5000 cfs.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has requested the flushing flow in order to clean fine sediments from fish spawning habitats and to increase production of invertebrates that fish depend on for food. Flushing flows have been a regular occurrence on the river since 2005 and have dramatically improved wild rainbow trout recruitment in the Bighorn River. For more information, contact Joe Skorupski at 307-527-7125.

 
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