Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August - 14

photo-Stephanie DelVecchio

Beat the Heat
by Nick DelVecchio
As the infographic on water temperatures and the subsequent
effect on trout makes the rounds on social media, take
comfort in knowing that there are still options to get your
fishing fix. The low, clear and warm water conditions of
summer do not have to be instant shutdowns for anglers with
the desire to work a little harder and smarter for their finned
quarry. Trout fishing, in particular, gets a little tricky as the
summer heats up, but it is not impossible for anglers who take
a more serious, opportunistic approach to a day on the water.
Summer fishing does not mean bad fishing-it just calls for
different tactics that may not need to be taken into account
during other seasons. The alarm has to be set a bit before
dawn. Brutal as that may be, the coolest part of the day will
yield the most active fish. Trout are durable but not invincible,
so it is important to take extra care. Focus fishing efforts on
shaded areas where water temperatures may be a few degrees
cooler, thus holding more trout. A few degrees may not seem
particularly noteworthy, but the difference between water that
is 60 degrees F and 64 degrees F can make all the difference in
a trout's world.
Another sound strategy for summertime fishing is to
target sources of cold water. For most stocked trout streams,

14

Pennsylvania Angler & Boater * July/August 2019	

fishing locations will be smaller tributaries. Studies have
shown just how far stocked trout will travel in a given
waterway, so it is not out of the realm of possibility that the
fish will go long distances, sometimes miles, in search of the
cold water feeder streams.
For anglers targeting trout during peak summer months,
extra care must be taken when releasing fish. Using barbless
hooks and limiting the time fish spend out of the water
ensures the survival of caught trout. That does not mean a
quick photograph cannot be snapped to commemorate the
day, but take the photograph with the health of the fish in
mind. Summer is by far the most stressful time of year for
these cold water loving fish, and taking it easy on the fish
will provide fishing opportunities for the rest of the summer
moving into the fall.
More than anything else, fishing for trout in the summer
means taking a smarter approach to where and how to
fish. Starting the day earlier to take advantage of the cool,
morning air and then focusing efforts in spots that receive
much needed cold water from tributaries are surefire ways
to have more productive outings. Once trout are caught,
fish earmarked for release need to always be handled
with special care and left in the water as long as possible.
If these steps are followed, summertime fishing trips will
consistently be rewarded with trout in the net.
www.gonefishingpa.com
http://www.gonefishingpa.com
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August
