Apologies for last week’s mishap. Props to Coach Ron Insinger and his 50 years of the CI BASKETBALL CAMP. Yes. Everything was ready, but my article and pictures vanished. It remains a mystery. I learned my lesson. Autosave is now rolling. Congrats to Keystone. They won the District 12 Crown. I snuck over to Volunteer for the “if” game. Bravo Montour, aka Tri Town. The boys put up a fight and almost tied things up. Keystone prevailed 5-4. Fantastic setting.
The older I get, the more I struggle. This hot, sticky weather doesn’t do me any favors. Teach is home for the summer. We like her better when she is on vacation. I am looking forward to some time with my rents. They are in town with no major plans. The addition is done. Relax Jim. Let’s get the boats out. I used to be a fan of summer, but I don’t do well in the heat. I am a big guy who tends to sweat, and I no longer wear gray tees. Temperatures are now in the mid-90s. It’s miserable. The humidity is what kills me. I prefer to stay home. I don’t like the shore. Forget pools. I’d rather hide. No to golf. How about pickleball?
My fishing is somewhat limited. It is too damn hot during the day. Yes. I will try my luck from a kayak or boat, but I do most of my damage in the early AM. I have completely switched over to bass. But bug chucking for trout in the dark is a new passion. I will explain.
These hot summer conditions will lead to high water temperatures. 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 beyond stressed and are only trying to survive. Most will gather in large numbers near the mouths of colder feeder streams. Please don’t be that guy who throws a few casts when they are congregated. Let them be. Trust me.
A stream thermometer is a very useful tool when it comes to fishing during these months. It can help determine whether you should be fishing or not. The water is all over. It is quite high with all of the rain. You will see trout holding with very little movement. The fish are opening and closing their mouths. No. They are not feeding. They are breathing. Trying to survive. Circulating more water around their gills. Give them a break.
When the water temperature rises, the amount of dissolved oxygen decreases. Rainbows and Browns are the stoutest of the trout family. The major reason why these fish are stocked. Their optimal feeding temperatures are anywhere from 44 to 67 degrees. When the water warms above that number, these species become stressed. They stop feeding and go into more of a survival mode. If temperatures get to the 73-to-77-degree range over an extended period, it can be lethal. Colder nights and rain showers do have an impact. They help keep the temperatures down.
The other night was perfect. The recent rains have definitely assisted. Instead of heading out after dinner. I waited until it was dark. Teach and Jensen stayed behind. No worries. I was armed with my fly gear and a headlamp. I drove up north just a few clicks. It was quite eerie and silent. No one was around. The water temp was 64. I had the entire stretch to myself. You cannot see where you are casting. It is all about feel. I made a few throws to my favorite ripple. Heard a sudden splash and raised my rod. My drag began screaming immediately. The fight was on. I landed a beautiful brown. I stayed for a few more fish and then decided to quit. It was a fantastic adventure close to the homestead. I will be back. As long as the water stays cold. Watch out for those bats.
Trout become less active this time of year, and they will feed more at night. When the water levels get above their threshold, their habits change. These fish are conserving energy as their stress levels rise. Fishing for bass or other warm water species is highly recommended. I will make the switch. Wait until it rains or try your luck at night when it comes to trout. Carry a thermometer. This will certainly help. Happy summer, kids. Cheers.
