Low water flows and increasing temperatures for part of the Arkansas River prompted Colorado Parks and Wildlife to issue a voluntary fishing closure.

The closure is in effect until further notice from noon to midnight beginning at Pueblo Boulevard East downstream until it meets Fountain Creek. Officials hope the measure will reduce stress on trout in the warmest part of the day.

Warmer waters contains less dissolved oxygen that can make it difficult for trout to recover after being caught and released when combined with reduced streamflows, according to the news release.

“Giving fish a break during the hottest part of the day can make a meaningful difference while still allowing anglers to enjoy quality fishing during the cooler morning hours,” CPW aquatic biologist Carrie Tucker stated in the release.

Meanwhile, water releases from the Pueblo Reservoir upstream have been sufficient for trout.

A mandatory fishing closure can be implemented by CPW when any of the following conditions are met:

• daily water maximum temperature over 71 degrees
• streamflow falls to half of its daily avergae
• fish show visible signs of fungus or stress
• dissolved oxygen level falls below 6 parts per million

Anglers can check river conditions on CPW’s website.