A Plan for All Seasons

Some things to consider on a hot summer day
To gauge water temperature easily, attach a thermometer to your wading boot. Photo by Michael Malekos

Neither trout nor I are fans of hot weather

A seasonal transition is the process of changing from one state or condition to another. Most people see this as a period when weather conditions and outdoor activities change. However, for me, an avid angler who fishes year-round, it’s much, much more. I hold onto thoughts of fishing and memories of the season before, all the while preparing and catching a glimpse of the season to come. And when it comes, I focus on three things — the temperature of water, the activity of insects, and the movement of fish.

LOOKING BACK

Cold winters deliver meager amounts of food to fish. During spring transition, melted snow flows into fisheries producing stronger currents, deeper pools, and added places for trout to explore. After a dormant winter, trout are on the move in search of food. The aftereffect for fly fishers in the know is the pleasure and excitement brought on by hungry early-spring trout eagerly striking at the flies they cast. Throughout this feeding window trout are not as cautious or selective regarding what they eat, chasing and striking at nearly any and all fly patterns properly presented.

However, by late spring, anglers tell a different story. It’s then, once they’ve had their fill, that trout are less likely to be as easily caught. During this transitional stage, experienced anglers pay attention to patterns. The patterns of a trout’s movement, as well as a closer look at the patterns of the flies they select to fish.

PRESENT DAY

Come July, fly fishers are well immersed in the low flows of summer. Rains are few and far between, while rivers, streams, and creeks run skinny gin-clear water. During these conditions, trout are skittish and easily spooked. This is a time for cautious anglers to practice stealth as they enter a fishery and also while they move and change direction while wet wading. Casting and presentation skills should be practiced long before reaching a fishing destination. In these conditions, anglers may get only one cast at a fish. You want to make it count.

THINGS TO CONSIDER

Summer is a favorite season to fish for many fly fishers. Unfortunately, it’s also a time when there are more anglers on the water than at any other time of year. With that said, here are a few things to think about before venturing out to chase rainbows, brooks, and browns this summer season:

Fish fast water: In winter, targeting trout in deep runs can be productive. In summer, the opposite is true, so consider fishing water you would have bypassed several months earlier. Highly oxygenated riffles, seams, and tail-outs are all good places to fish during summer.

Fish less-pressured water: Moving away from the crowds is almost always worth it, particularly if you’re willing to explore off the beaten path. During the dog days of summer, I like to get away from the people and the heat by visiting and fishing high-altitude alpine lakes. There, I’ve experienced cooler weather and better fishing.

Spend your afternoons at camp: During hot summer months, trout are active and feeding when the water is coolest, so consider fishing early and then again late in the day. My rules when targeting summer trout are fairly simple — early mornings are nymphing hours. Insects typically take time to warm up prior to flight, so in late afternoon, I’ll switch over and cast dry flies or spinner patterns.

Measure water temperature: Protect trout from the effects of extreme summer heat. Trout actively feed when water temperature ranges between 53-57 degrees Fahrenheit. At 66 degrees Fahrenheit, they begin to show signs of stress. They will cease feeding to find shelter. Water temperature greater than 75 degrees Fahrenheit is potentially lethal. Leave the water and rest your river. During summer months, I fish with a thermometer affixed to the lacing of my wading boot and often glance down to check the temperature.

Cast terrestrial patterns: Summer is a peak season for terrestrials. I’ve found beetle, ant, and grasshopper patterns to be the most productive. Once you experience a trout aggressively hitting your terrestrial pattern on the water’s surface, you’ll never forget it.

Lose the float: During summer conditions, even a suspension device can spook fish. To improve your chances of catching trout, anglers who fish with indicators may want to remove and replace them with a sighter line. Sighter line does several things. It will let you know how fast your fly is traveling and whether or not a fish has picked it up or if you’re dragging along the bottom. Additionally, the staging of colors helps an angler determine where trout are holding in the water column.

Trout fishing with a multi-colored sighter line.

Once attached to your fly line, follow the sighter line with tippet that is then tied to a nymph. Experiment to determine what line lengths work most effectively in the waters you happen to be fishing.

Productive and successful anglers understand the need to change fishing tactics and strategies in order to keep pace with seasonal transitions.

As the hottest season, summer arrives with heat. Stay hydrated. Before and while you’re fishing, remember to drink plenty of water. The end of July typically marks the hottest days of the year, and it’s during these dog days of summer (July 3 to August 11) when trout fishing is most challenging.

Also, please act conscientiously when playing, handling, and releasing fish. Using a landing net minimizes handling and allows you to keep trout wet before release, greatly increasing their chance of survival. Regardless of the season, the proper treatment of trout is vital to their survival and the future of our sport.

See you on the river!

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