Commercial and voluntary closures on the Yama River implemented earlier this week were lifted Friday for all recreation except for angling.

A news release from the city of Steamboat Springs on Friday said Colorado Parks & Wildlife and the city “will continue the voluntary angling closure to assist aquatic life in additional recovery time.”

“Effective immediately, the Yampa River will be open to tubing, rafting, kayaking, SUPing and all other water recreation except for angling. Commercial tubing operations will be permitted to resume immediately,” the news statement said.

“Commercial angling will not be allowed at this time while staff continues to consult with CPW on river conditions and aquatic health,” added the statement.

The voluntary fishing closure runs from the Chuck Lewis State Wildlife Area to the city’s western limits.

When water temperatures reach critical levels, it becomes difficult for fish to survive, even when practicing catch and release. River temperatures are monitored using devices that record the water temperature every 15 minutes. Those recordings are reviewed by CPW biologists at least once a week.

This data, in addition to other factors, are used to determine the need for voluntary fishing closures, according to the city.

“Currently, water flows are sitting at 115 cubic feet per second  and water temperatures over the past few days have moved below the 75 F threshold but still hang in the lower 70s,” the press statement on Friday stated.

“In addition, since late June, environmental releases from Stagecoach reservoir have boosted flows through the city,” it added.

That trend and slightly cooler temperatures in recent days, along with the chance of precipitation led the city to reopen the river for both commercial and recreational use, except for angling, over the weekend, the city’s press statement said.