LURAY (WINA) – Effective immediately, Shenandoah National Park has lifted a parkwide fishing closure that extremely dry conditions and low stream flows prompted to be implemented August 31. A park release says recent rainfall has improved conditions resulting in lifting the fishing ban.

However, Evan Childress, fish biologist, added, “Be gentle with the fish and the fragile environment they inhabit. The dry conditions likely reduced spawning success”

He says, “: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.