Red Hot Summers - Why Trout Love Red Flies

With the progression of summer, fishing across the country is heating up both figuratively and literally. Anglers can anticipate waves of hatches throughout the day, with fish feeding in every level of the water column. Water clarity will improve daily as runoff continues to slow and flows decrease. With the long sunny days and stable summer flows, water temperatures will continue to rise, firing up the metabolism of hungry trout and inciting them to strike with leader snapping strength!

As the rising water temperatures prompt changes in the behavior and physiology of trout, they also force the invertebrate population to change as well. As water temperatures increase, so its ability to store oxygen decreases. Many invertebrates, specifically midges and chironomids inhabiting the muddy bottoms of lakes and streams, already living in areas of low oxygen, are forced to adapt as this commodity becomes scarce. In order to capture and store oxygen, many species will increase the level of hemoglobin in their bodies. While increasing their hemoglobin enables them to capitalize on shrinking oxygen level, it also gives them a cherry red color that makes them a tempting target for hungry trout.

The savvy angler can take advantage of this subsurface shift as the thermometer rises. Tie on patterns wrapped in red wire, floss, and biots to better mimic the seasonal shift in invertebrates. This tactic should help to make your next trip to the river Red Hot!