Although summer fishing action can be slow and anglers often have difficulty catching as many fish as in the prime spring months, those anglers fishing for trout can still catch fish – in rivers, streams, creeks, lakes and reservoirs. Fish feed consistently throughout the year, and anglers with the right materials and presentation can consistently catch fish.
Those fishing in rivers, creeks and streams will encounter low waters with wary fish. Be sure to wade cautiously. The slightest move can spook fish.
Trout feed on flies most during the summer months. In the early morning, tiny mayflies called “tricos” will appear on many local streams. By 8:00 am, the hatch is usually over and spinners have already fallen.
The rest of a stream day will find many terrestrials on the water. Grasshoppers, beetles, crickets, ants, and other insects which are blown into water will usually produce. Be sure to fish lighter than normal lines, because fish will be looking for anything that is out of the ordinary.
Water temperature is key when targeting summertime trout. If water temperatures are above 70 degrees, trout, particularly rainbow and brook trout, will be difficult to take. Anglers who catch fish in these waters must play their fish cautiously, because trout suffer from thermal stress.
Practice patience when targeting summer trout. The fish are in the water; they have become acclimated with their surroundings, so they will be difficult to catch. The rewards, however, can be substantial.
When fishing on ponds, lakes and reservoirs, determine what depth the impoundment’s thermocline is located. The thermocline is a layer of water that contains the most oxygen, and where trout (except lake trout, which need less oxygen) usually stay. Once you can determine the depth of the thermocline, fishing at that depth will usually produce.
Lake fishing usually requires less caution than fishing in rivers and streams. Fish do not realize if water levels are lower (unless water levels are drastically lower).
Lake and reservoir fishing allows anglers to use regular lines and regular fishing techniques. If waters are not deep and cold enough to support productive trout fishing, however, trout will suffer from significant thermal stress if caught.
In many states, the summer months have reduced bag limits and minimum sizes for trout. Be sure to check state regulations before taking any fish home. Since these fish have lived for so long, they will survive if you return them to the water so they can fight once again. Anglers who return fish to the water help their fellow anglers keep fish populations solid – and strong.
With the summer months nearly over, there is plenty more trout fishing for anglers. Try going to area lakes, reservoirs, or rivers, creeks and streams for holdover fish. The trip may be worthwhile – producing trophy size fish.
