In case you missed it, this week the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) issued an emergency regulation removing limits for trout caught at Wildhorse Reservoir in Northeast Nevada.

 

 

Due to persistent drought conditions and irrigation demands, Wildhorse Reservoir is currently only at 34 percent of capacity.  This situation leads NDOW to predict that a fish die-off will occur similar to that of 2007, when an estimated 20,000 quality game fish died in August of that year.   By comparison, in 2007 the reservoir’s capacity was at 78 percent-leading to speculation of an even earlier die-off.

 

 

Warm Nevada summer water temperatures, coupled with low water levels, leads to lower available oxygen in the water.  As trout have a higher metabolic rate, this species is particularly susceptible to the low oxygen and warm water temperatures.

 

 

By lifting the trout limit, NDOW’s rationale is that more Nevada anglers will have an opportunity to harvest the fish before the predicted die-off.

 

 

If you want to take advantage of this situation, you better start planning your Wildhorse fishing trip now.  The Reservoir’s water levels are estimated to be dropping at rates of 8 to 10 inches of elevation per week associated with downstream irrigation demands….   This NDOW emergency regulation is in effect now through October 15th, 2013.

 

Wildhorse reservior is located 65 miles North of Elko on State Hwy 225.