Record High Temperatures Impact Rainbow Trout at Edson Fichter Pond

On Tuesday, July 7, approximately 30 dead rainbow trout were discovered floating in the community fishing pond at Edson Fichter Nature Area in south Pocatello. Some fish have also been observed struggling in the shallower edges of the pond. Idaho Fish and Game fishery biologists have been monitoring the situation, which has included taking water temperature and dissolved oxygen readings. Data collected thus far has shown that recent record-breaking heat has caused water temperatures to rise to 76 degrees F-from the water surface to the bottom of the pond. However, dissolved oxygen levels remain within an acceptable range for fish survival. Temperatures this high will stress fish, and can result in fish deaths. That being said, the few dozen dead fish observed at this time represents a fraction of the total fish in the pond, and anglers are still reporting seeing healthy fish and catching fish. The public should be aware that additional fish may succumb to these water conditions over the next couple of weeks. Once water temperatures improve, Fish and Game will resume its stocking schedule at the pond, hopefully as soon as August.