5 Tips for Trout Fishing During a Drought
All winter long anglers across the Western US watched the weather channel, seeing clouds full of promise hanging over the mountains, but never delivering the snow we hoped for. Come spring there was still the chance for April showers and wet snows in the mountains, but those too failed to accumulate. The severe drought that is now blanketing most of the Western US brings with it very serious consequences for trout, and we as fly fishers need to adapt in order to prevent further harm and help to preserve trout populations until wetter days return.
Here are a couple guidelines to help us fish responsibly and still have fun during a drought.
- Know your Limits – Trout and other Salmonids (fishes including salmon, trout, char, whitefish, and grayling) thrive in water temperatures below 63 ° Fahrenheit, they do moderately well up to 65°, and begin to deteriorate rapidly and die in sustained water temperatures above 67°. Lower river levels across the West is going to see water temperatures in many trout baring waters regularly reach these danger level causing fish to gather in the few remaining deep holes to try to survive and wait for cooler night time temperatures. Trout go into survival mode as they try to draw limited oxygen out of the warm water, and are sluggish feeders. The responsible angler should wear a fly fishing thermometer in their boot to keep an eye on water temperatures. As the run rises overhead and the water temps’ edge towards 67°, we need to get off the water so that we don’t start killing fish!
- Time to Go – While some states enforce mandatory river closures due at a certain time of the day due to rising water temperatures, it is prudent to plan our fishing summer fishing trips during the drought for the cool of the morning. Try to get to the river as early as possible, fish to noon or 1pm and then head home for a little afternoon siesta and give the fish a life saving break through the heat of the day.
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Quick to Hand & Quick to Release – Overplaying fish in warmer water temps is a death sentence for many! Try to get the fish to hand as quickly as possible, skip the photo-op and hold the fish in the gently in light current until it revives and takes off under its own power. Seeing trout drifting belly up down the river isn’t very picturesque, so keep em’ wet and let them go quickly!
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Head for the Hills – Seasons of drought are a great motivator to go out and explore, get off the beaten path, and head up into the mountains in search of cooler waters! Colder nights and proximity to snowpack keeps higher elevation creeks and lakes in the optimal temperature range for happy, healthy, and hungry trout! If you want long days full of fish and tight lines, head for the hills this summer!
- Learn to Fish Lakes – Lakes are excellent thermal (heat) reservoirs meaning that as the sun pours its summer heat into the lake, the water temperature changes very little. Even though water levels may drop during the drought, in most lakes there is still ample depth for trout to stay active and vibrant offering the angler excellent action on the fly!
