ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOUSE - The Alberta government asks anglers for their support on a serious fisheries problem in the foothills area. Hot weather and low stream flows have driven water temperatures to severe levels in the lower portions of many trout streams.

High water temperatures and low stream flows cause considerable stress to fish populations. The water temperature of streams near Cremona has reached 27 C, well above the critical range for trout. Fish kills have been reported in the Highwood and Sheep rivers south of Calgary.

Anglers can help reduce stress on fish by not fishing in the following streams until further notice:

* Pincher Creek - downstream of the Town of Pincher Creek.

* Todd Creek, Willow Creek, Highwood River and tributaries, Sheep River and tributaries, and Dogpound Creek: ALL DOWNSTREAM OF Hwy 22.

* Fish Creek - downstream of Hwy 22X.

* Jumping Pound Creek - downstream of Hwy 1.

* Little Red Deer River - downstream of Township Rd. 31.0.

* Fallen Timber - downstream of Township Rd. 31.0.

* James River and tributaries - below Secondary Rd. 584.

Sustainable Resource Development staff will monitor the situation to determine when stream flows increase and water temperatures drop to suitable levels. Anglers will be notified when conditions improve.

Contact:

Dave Christiansen
Regional Head of Fisheries
Fish and Wildlife Division
Alberta Sustainable Resource Development
Rocky Mountain House
(403) 845-8269

John Lear
Public Affairs Officer
Communications
Alberta Sustainable Resource Development
Edmonton
(780) 427-8636