Mind the Redds

Though it definitely doesn’t look like it this week, spring is here, and so are longer days and warmer weather. The reduction in ice and warmer weather provide anglers with abundant fishing opportunities beyond the few miles of open water in our favorite tailwaters, but also sustained water temperatures in the mid 40s signify the start of the spawn for rainbow and cutthroat trout.  Despite the thousands of trout that CPW and private agencies stock into our local waters each year, trout are still being taken/killed by anglers, predators, and other causes of mortality at an alarmingly high rate; protecting their natural ability to reproduce is very important. 

To allow trout to continue to reproduce and be available for anglers in perpetuity, we must all do our part to stay out of their spawning beds (redds) so as not to crush their eggs, and we must avoid fishing for trout who are actively spawning to give them the best chance to successfully reproduce. 

Take ten minutes to watch this video from the Tactical Fly Fisher and read this article from Vail Valley Anglers before you hit the river to educate yourself on the best practices for fishing during the spawn. Keeping our fish healthy is a responsibility that should not be taken lightly by any angler. 

Link to the article: Spawning Trout Awareness

Link to the video: How to identify and avoid trout spawning beds (redds)