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Shenandoah National Park lifts fishing closure thanks to recent rainfall

Crystal Graham
fishing
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Effective immediately, Shenandoah National Park officials have lifted a parkwide fishing closure.

Extremely dry conditions and low stream flows prompted the ban on Aug. 31.

Recent rainfall has improved conditions resulting in lifting the fishing ban.

“Be gentle with the fish and the fragile environment they inhabit. The dry conditions likely reduced spawning success,” said Evan Childress, fish biologist. “Brook trout eggs spend the winter incubating in gravel in the streams, so it’s important to avoid walking through those areas to prevent trampling of eggs.”

Anglers are also encouraged to minimize handling and time out of the water to reduce stress on the fish.

 

Crystal Graham

Crystal Graham

Crystal Abbe Graham is the regional editor of Augusta Free Press. A 1999 graduate of Virginia Tech, she has worked for nearly 25 years as a reporter and editor for several Virginia publications, written a book, and garnered more than a dozen Virginia Press Association awards for writing and graphic design. She was the co-host of "Viewpoints," a weekly TV news show, and co-host of Virginia Tonight, a nightly TV news show. Her work on "Virginia Tonight" earned her a national Telly award for excellence in television.