Winter fishing at a Columbia park has been delayed due to unusually warm temperatures.
Columbia Parks and Recreation announced that winter trout fishing at Cosmo-Bethel Park was delayed because water temperatures were too warm for the fish.
“Fisheries staff stock rainbow trout in urban-area lakes across Missouri beginning the first week of November,” explained the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) in a press release. “However, warm water temperatures have pushed stocking efforts to the second week.”
The MDC explained that trout are cold-water fish that require cold water between 55 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit to thrive. Putting this species in warm water can shock their systems and result in their death.
“Our goal is to stock healthy trout that can thrive all winter to provide anglers as many fishing opportunities as possible,” said MDC Hatchery Systems Manager Clint Hale. “With cooler conditions forecasted in the coming week, water temperatures will drop enough that the fish can be stocked.”
The MDC will reportedly stock the lake during the second week of November. Anglers are encouraged to stay up to date on when the lake and trout are ready for fishing with Columbia Parks and Recreation.