Saturday, March 21, 2015

Trout Tips from Spring Creek Treasure -Temperature and Season

Trout Tips from Spring Creek Treasure


Water temperature dictates when trout will feed and it should dictate when the angler will fish.
Water has its greatest density at 38 to 39 degrees and trout seldom hit when the water temperature is below 40 degrees.
Frequently taking the water temperature tells you if it's rising or falling one degree.  Thus I take the water temperature at least once every hour.  If the temperature is slowly rising up to 63 degrees you will want to keep fishing.  However, if the water temperature drops one degree the trout usually quit feeding.  As you read further in the book you will understand the importance of this information.
Having kept thirty-four years of water temperature data I have concluded there are three significant water temperatures at which trout seem to feed best.  And, without fail the trout stream temperature will frequently range between those three significant temperatures during March, in Southwestern Wisconsin.  I have identified the three significant feeding periods as the 40 degree rise, the 45 degree rise, and the 49 degree rise.  What was most difficult was identifying why the feeding usually picked up at 40, 45, and 49 degrees.  It took more research and the application of science to figure that out.
108.  At 67 degrees trout quit feeding, therefore, you should move upstream to cooler water or quit fishing.
129.  The grasshopper is an excellent free bait for August and September fishing.  The fly angler should try a weighted Joe's Hopper.   
134.  During the last two months of the season fish the upper third of the trout stream.
135.  Use a nymph fly tied by John Bethke, the Pink Squirrel, in spring creeks.
141.  After the first leaves turn in late August brown trout become territorial and they will smash your lure even when not hungry.
143.  In late August the time of day to fish can change from early to late morning.  And in September it can change to the middle of the day.  
46.  The sun is highest in the sky from April 21 to August 21, and that is when you should fish early morning or when the sky is overcast.
48.  When approaching a pool with cover, where a big trout might be located, wade quietly like a deer on the shallow side of the stream.
49.  Fish the shadow areas of the stream when the sun hits the water.
57.  When the water temperature rises above 63 degrees trout start to shut down; and at 67 degrees they are usually dormant and refuse to hit an artificial.
62.  As the cold front approaches, when clouds appear and the air temperature is stable or rising, you can have excellent fishing.  


No comments:

Post a Comment