Is It Too Hot Too Fish For Trout?

Is it too hot to fish for trout? The short answer is yes; it could be. But the real answer is “it depends”. Hmmm, where have you heard that before?? Let’s go over a few truths about fishing for trout when the summer temperatures get extremely hot. Like what the temperatures are doing right now in our home state of Missouri.

Let’s look at this from a trout’s perspective. When water temperatures, notice I didn’t say air temperatures, reach 68 – 70 degrees Fahrenheit the water holds much less oxygen. In other words, the trout have a very hard time “breathing”. When caught fish run out of energy quickly and may not survive even when caught and released immediately. Out West, there are restrictions on trout fishing known as “Hoot Owl” restrictions that prohibit fishing for trout after 2pm in the afternoon. So, what does this mean for our fly fishing here in Missouri?

First and foremost, if you do not carry a temperature gauge or thermometer when you fish – you should! You should also take the temperatures several times throughout the summer day as the water temperature will certainly rise throughout the day. A good technique is to take the water temperature once in the morning for your “starting temperature” and later in the day to keep an eye on the rise. When in Colorado for our latest fly-fishing school the temperature of the river rose 3 degrees from 58 degrees to 61 degrees in just a few hours. If the temperature of the water is over 65 degrees in the morning keep an eye on it throughout the day. If it hits 68 degrees, then be kind to the trout and call it a day.

But I did say it depends here in Missouri if we should fish or not. Many of our rivers start from underground springs, like Montauk, Meramec, Bennett. The water temperatures from these springs provide much cooler water to the rivers than the outdoor temperatures can affect during the day. But as one travels further down river away from the springs the water temperatures can reach the trout’s danger zone of 68 – 70 degrees and higher. So, check the water temperatures and protect our trout.

Another summertime move would be to fish tailwaters like Lake Taneycomo. This holds true if you are traveling East or West to fly fish. Tailwaters get their water from the bottom of a dam/lake and the water entering below dam/lake downstream is usually cold all year round.

So, the moral of the story:

1.        use a temperature gauge

2.        take several readings throughout the day

3.        don’t fish for trout if the water temperature reaches above 68 degrees

4.        go to a tailwater to fish

5.        fly fish for warm water species; like bass, bluegill, carp etc… (they are just as fun!!)

6.        lastly, do your part in protecting our trout!