Fishing temporarily suspended in Shenandoah National Park

HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) - The Shenandoah National Park says they are temporarily suspending fishing in all streams and rivers within the park.

“It’s temporary just as soon as were able to get the water table back up we will reopen to fishing in the park,” Claire Comer, spokesperson for Shenandoah National Park said.

In a press release, the SNP says the closure is because of low stream flows and high water temperatures, something many areas are experiencing because of the ongoing drought. The SNP says the closure will hopefully ensure the long-term health of the fish populations within the park.

“With the high temps and the very shallow pools where they are forced to survive it just definitely puts them in jeopardy we’re seeing a little bit of fish mortality and so we don’t want to further stress them with fishing,” Comer said.

This closure is for all streams including both open-to-harvest and catch-and-release waters, and the SNP says the closure will be lifted when stream conditions improve.

“Every fishing expedition in Shenandoah entails a hike so I would say just enjoy the hike part its a great place to spend time we’ve had some cool days its gorgeous up there,” Comer said.

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