ATTENTION ANGLERS: THE RIVERS NEED YOUR HELP!
CARRY A THERMOMETER AND TAKE WATER TEMPERATURE READINGS FREQUENTLY.
FISH EARLY IN THE DAY AND/OR AT HIGHER ELEVATION.
REEL IT IN WHEN TEMPERATURES REACH 68oF TO PROTECT YOUR FISHERY
In years with below average snowpack and spring/summer rain, combined with above average air temperatures, rivers flow significantly below average through the Roaring Fork Watershed. Water temperature plays a vital role in determining the quality and quantity of aquatic life. Aquatic organisms, from plants to insects to fish, are adapted to live within specific temperature ranges. In the Roaring Fork Watershed aquatic organisms including plants, aquatic insects, and fish, are adapted to cold temperature ranges. In the upper limits of that range, organisms becomes stressed, making them more susceptible to disease, increasing angling-related mortality in fish, and reducing their ability to compete for limited resources.
Temperature also affects the amount of oxygen that is available for respiration because the amount of oxygen that dissolves in the water decreases as temperatures increase. In addition, nearly all other water quality parameters are influenced by temperature. A variety of factors influence stream temperature including man-made dams and diversion structures, riparian vegetation and shade, local weather, stream surface area, sediment load, solar energy, altitude, surface area of the stream, runoff sources, and stream flow.
In a drought year, it is important to monitor stream temperature to stay informed of overall stream health and aware of where waterways may be stressed.
Hot Spots for Trout is a citizen science water temperature monitoring initiative in the Roaring Fork Watershed in Colorado, as a program of Roaring Fork Conservancy. Registered volunteers will be provided calibrated thermometers and instructions for collecting valid data and uploading it. By collecting stream temperature data, they will help us local areas of concern throughout the watershed. Once impacted area are identified, RFC can advocate for and implement best management practices to protect these vital ecosystems.
Thank you Fishpond for sponsoring 2025 Hot Spots for Trout by providing thermometers for volunteers.
DROUGHT RESOURCES | DROUGHT RESPONSE