Beating the Heat
July 17, 2018
As many of us already know, Colorado is staring down the barrel of a drought season. Looking at the US Geological Survey reports, North Park is sitting below the 25th percentile on a 100 year average for water this season. Even though North Park saw over a 100% snow pack early on according to SNOTEL, we are still abnormally hot and dry for this time of year. The water is depleting rapidly with long days and soaring temperatures. What does this mean for the venturing anglers as we are headed into the middle of summer? We are going to have to change some tactics to be respectful to our water resource. There are several things in which we can do to keep fishing through this drought and higher water temps.
Fi
rst, pick up a stream thermometer. This little tool added to your arsenal can play a vital role for you while on the water. Paying attention to water temps helps keep you in tune with what the fish are doing throughout the day. A stream thermometer will also indicate when the water temps are becoming too warm to fish. Trout are very sensitive and susceptible to a lethal amount of stress as water temps rise. We as fishermen should take note on several temperature ranges for the trout we all love to pursue. At 55-65 degree water temperatures, trout are hungry and happy. This would be considered the most optimal temp range for trout. At 65-70 degrees trout are becoming stressed. It is recommended while fishing through this temperature range to use stronger tippet so you can get the fish in quickly and handle them as little as possible. Above 70 degrees the water is too hot and considered the NO FISH limit. Pick up and return another day.
Secondly, pay attention to the forecast. If there is cloud cover or projected rain, know that the water temps are going to stay cooler on those days. If you notice a long period of sunny, hot days, be prepared to start your day early and end early. We suggest that you are on the water between sunrise and 1 PM because the best fishing is going to take place while the water temps are cooler. Weather mixed with clouds and rain this time of year can be a saving grace. Be on the lookout.
Finally, it may be time to pull out a map and locate a high alpine lake destination. Getting into the high country and going on an adventure is a wonderful way to spend time with your loved ones and get off the beaten path. In a recent blog written by Taylor Martin, “High Country Options”, Taylor has laid out a handful of high alpine lake options. Give it a read and don’t hesitate to give us a call at the shop 970-723-4215. We’ll be sure to get you pointed in the right direction.
Written by: Mathew Jimenez
