Is It Really Too Hot To Fly Fish? Not If You Do These Things

Rise and Shine and Go Fly Fishing When it's Cool

Trout are cold water critters. August can be a cruel month on many waters. Trout often struggle on the borders of existence in our smaller streams and rivers. 70 degrees is considered a thermal threshold; but really, that’s being generous. After a hard fought battle, large fish are susceptible to mortal stress when the waters are in the upper 60s. They simply can’t regain enough oxygen to recover from the excretion.

What’s an angler to do? Go early. Thankfully, our nights cool things down considerably. Water temps move well into the safe zone by early morning. Enjoy the sunrise. By late morning, the best fishing of the day is often done anyway. That’s why we have Hoot Owl restrictions on many waters in western Montana.

While Hoot Owl regulations permit angling up until 2pm, sometimes that’s pushing it. Feel the water. Does it feel trouty? Better yet, take the temp with a thermometer. If it’s pushing 70 at noon, it’s time to head for the shade of the campsite, the barn or the bar. It’s our responsibility to monitor our own behavior. Let’s keep those fish healthy for September.

Fortunately for those of us who fish a large river like the Missouri, the water temps usually stay in the fishable threshold all day. That does not mean we can take our angling for granted. It’s still a good idea to go early and finish by about 2. Catching fish in 65 degree water is better than catching them in 68 degree water.  They also eat more in the early part of the day, so fishing will be better. By 2 or so, they are also ready for a siesta.

Curious about how the Mighty Mo is fishing? Check out the most recent fishing reports here

Catch and Release Like a Pro in the Summer

While we should always take great care of our fish, we need to be extra careful in warmer waters. Land fish as swiftly as possible, keep them wet and skip the glory shots. It’s critical to remove hooks quickly. Going barbless and having a catch and release tool is really helpful.  Keep fish submerged with water flowing through their gills. They need maximum oxygenation for recovery. Hold them facing into the current until they can swim away.  If you have a photographer on hand, film the release.

Far too often, anglers fishing from boats dump tired fish into moving water. These fish may end up tumbling downstream, never recovering their equilibrium before they drown. That’s bad form. Drop anchor if you can or float along while supporting the fish facing into the current. Make sure it’s ready to swim under its own power.

In the Summer Fly Fish at Higher Elevations

August is prime time to head for the mountains. Elevation means cooler temps. Get up under the trees and into the shade. Head for the headwaters. It’s cooler up there. There are beautiful cutthroat up there. They may not be the biggest fish, but they are pretty special.

Think Outside the Trout

August is a great time to target fish other than trout. Bass, carp, panfish and a host of other finned creatures do just fine in the warmer waters of late summer. In fact, they thrive in them. If I fish trout in August, I’m likely to go early. In the evening, I’ll be chasing carp, bass or rounding up a few perch for fish tacos.

Interested in learning where, how, and when to fish for carp? Be sure to check this out then.