| Tactical
Summary |
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Temperature
should be a key in when and how you fish on each outing.
The following is a brief overview of how trout respond to
temperature and how to use temperature to catch more of them. |
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Take water
temperature often wherever you fish.
It will vary by season, time of day and location on stream.
Remember that trout are cold-blooded creatures, when the
temperature is at extremes either cold or hot that the fish will have
their problems. Much of their
problems are related to how much oxygen they need and the amount of
dissolved O2 in the water at a given temperature.
(This is also true for other game fish species.)
Refer to the needs of trout handout where I talked about the
temperature comfort levels of each trout species for more
information. |
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Below
55°F |
Slow
down your presentation. Fish along the bottom with nymphs or woolly buggers
in areas where the fish do not have to work to hold their position. Fish
warmest time of day. |
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59°F
– 64°F |
Usually ideal for any type of
fly-fishing. Trout metabolism
level and the amount of dissolved O2 in the water combine to set the stage
for lots of active feeding at any time during the day. |
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65°F
– 69°F |
Early stages of oxygen depletion
in water. Fish in areas in or just below riffles, or where tributaries
enter the main stream. Fish
low light times of the day. |
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70°F,
above |
Fish
will migrate to areas with the coldest water to adjust to depleted 02
levels. Locate and fish cold water areas such as headwaters and
spring seeps. Fish at night
or at first light. |
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Once temperature is
addressed, insect activity
becomes the next key to catching more trout.
Refer to the needs of the trout handout and the above tactics chart
for additional help. Adjust to changing
situations, make a good approach/presentation,
and you are well on your way to improving your trout fishing! |