Last Winter's Drought Still Affecting NM Trout

Drought conditions have led to Northern New Mexico's upper Pecos River recent fish kill, unusual for these colder waters. The state Department of Game and Fish has already noted a decline in brown and rainbow trout. Despite the greater than usual rains the state received during late summer, the unusually dry winter has left reservoirs all over the state with critically low supplies.

Pecos River water levels are around half of the norm for this time of year, official surveys. These low levels mean poorer water quality and higher temperatures, which trout are particularly sensitive to. Warmer water is not able to hold as much oxygen leading to asphyxiation for the fish.

The state usually investigates 8-10 fish kills per year, but is double that this year. The die-offs often occur due to chemical runoff and invasive algae, but this year most are attributed to a lack of snowpack in the mountains last winter, which is essential to keep up sustainable water levels. The Pecos die-off is unusual because it has some of the coldest water in the state.

Many fishing businesses are hurting from last year’s dry winter, as well. With lack of water keeping fish populations low, and National Forest closures forced by fires over the summer, shops and guides are praying for El Niño this winter, which typically provides ample snowstorms in the region. This fall is promising more die-offs though, as trout are getting ready for spawning, where space becomes an even more precious commodity.

Most of the dead fish are brown trout, which can't be restocked. However, the species overall population remains healthy enough to replace the losses, as long as severe drought conditions don't persist. Brown trout are considered quite hardy in their ability to survive poor water quality from mining and industrial runoff.