I used to be a fan of summer, but I don’t do well with the heat. I am a big guy who tends to sweat, and I shouldn’t be allowed to wear my gray tees. The temperatures are getting close to 100 degrees. It’s miserable. The humidity is what kills me. Last week I was sporting a fleece. Today? I am a mess. I don’t go outside. No to golf. Forget the pools and the beach. I would rather stay indoors.

My fishing is slowing down. It’s too damn hot during the day. I will try my luck from a kayak in the early hours on the weekends. I may sneak out for a few casts late. I have completely switched to bass, but if the conditions are right. I will throw some bugs for some browns at night. Not this week, Zurg.

These unbearable conditions and the lack of rain make it tough. The water temperatures are warming up. This can be lethal for many trout. Handling a fish right now isn’t ideal, and you risk killing her before the release. They are already stressed and are trying to survive. Many will gather in large numbers near the mouths of colder feeder streams. Don’t be that guy who throws a cast. Let them be. There will be a snake in your boot.

A stream thermometer is a useful tool when it comes to these warm months. It can help determine whether you should be fishing or not. The water is low and crystal clear. You will see trout holding with very little movement. I’ve spotted the same golden rainbow in the same pool for the past three weeks. He hasn’t moved. Seriously. The trout are opening and closing their mouths. No. They are not trying to feed. They are maxed out and trying to breathe. Circulating more water around their gills.

Rainbows and Browns are the most resilient in the trout family. Another reason why they get stocked. Their optimal temps are between 44 and 67 degrees. When the water warms above that number, these fish become stressed. They immediately stop feeding and go into survival mode. If the temps reach 73 degrees or higher for an extended period, it can be extremely dangerous. Not good, Buzz.

Colder nights and rain showers will eventually help. But until then. Give these poor trout a pass. Especially the large waters like Pine, Lycoming, Loyalsock, and Muncy Creeks. Give these fish a chance. Target other species. That’s what I do. The Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass seasons are underway. Jensen and I have switched. We have been nailing the Smallies in the backyard. We took my young nephew out a few times. Bryson Daniel is the man. He is new. The big fella would rather swim in the creek than fish. But Bryson got a few decent bass on topwater, and now he is hooked. There is nothing like it. Fishing is the best. He is already planning a trip this Saturday. Jensen and I will cave. He is our buddy. Someone poisoned the watering hole.

Enjoy the warm weather this holiday weekend. But remember to give our poor trout a break. Focus on other warm-weather fish. Smallmouth bassing is a blast. Okay. I tried something new this week. Did anyone catch the random love? I am a huge fan. I believe there are five hidden references. Infinity and beyond. The first youngster who reaches out with the name of the movie franchise will win a small prize. To infinity and beyond. Cheers.