Increased Flows in Wind River Canyon This Week

The Wind River Canyon will see a sizeable increase in water flow beginning this week.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is cautioning sportsmen and recreationists to be aware of a flushing flow project conducted by the Bureau of Reclamation. The bureau will begin releasing additional water from Boysen Reservoir, which will cause flows in the river below Boysen Dam to fluctuate from 2000 cubic feet per second to 5000.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has requested the flushing flow in order to clean fine sediments from fish spawning habitats and to increase production of invertebrates that fish depend on for food. Since 2005, Game and Fish have observed that these flushing flows have dramatically improved wild rainbow trout in the Bighorn River.

Sportsmen wading or floating the river during this time should consider the fluctuating water levels. Also, areas that could be waded prior to increases in flows may not be accessible at the higher water levels.