Summer fishing in put and take

Summer is the toughest time for put and take, and it is worth knowing before you stand there in the middle of the day wondering where the fish went. Rainbow trout thrives in cool water and goes slack when the temperature hits 20 degrees and more. Then it moves to the coolest, most oxygen-rich parts of the water and eats less actively. With the right timing and place you can still fish well.

Fish at the right time

The key in summer is early morning and late evening, when the water is coolest. Do not stand fishing in the middle of the day in blazing sun, then the fish is at its most sluggish. A cloudy, cool summer day is on the other hand really good for put and take and stretches the active spells a lot. A light rain or a fresh breeze can turn a dead midday hour, because it cools and oxygenates the surface.

Look for cool, oxygen-rich water

In the heat the fish gather where it is coldest and most oxygen. Look for:

  • Inlets and springs, where cold water runs in.
  • Deep holes and drop-offs, with cooler water a bit down.
  • The windward side, where the wind airs the surface and adds oxygen.

Count the bait down and fish deeper than you do in spring, or sit close to the inlets. A spoon or a heavy nymph that you count down to the right depth is often more effective than something that stays high in the warm surface water.

Adapt the fishing

Fish slower and deeper more often, because sluggish fish will not chase something fast. A jig or a nymph fished quietly near the bottom tempts fish that refuse everything that moves. Stick to muted, natural colours in clear summer water, and save the loud colours for dawn, dusk and stained water.

Be extra gentle

Warm water makes the fish more fragile after playing, and survival on release drops. Play quickly, keep the fish in the water and avoid hauling it around in the summer heat. If you mean to release, do it extra carefully, and consider keeping what you catch rather than putting back a hard-played fish. When the water cools again in autumn the fishing turns. Then it is autumn fishing, not more July heat. Compare with spring fishing, read more about when they take and the whole season.

FAQ

Why is the fishing slower in summer?

Rainbow trout thrives in cool water and goes slack when it reaches 20 degrees and more. In the heat it seeks cooler, more oxygen-rich parts and eats less actively.

When should I fish in summer?

Early morning and late evening, when the water is coolest. Avoid the midday heat in the sun. Cloudy, cool weather stretches the active spells.

Where do the fish stand when it is warm?

Where it is coolest and most oxygen: at inlets and springs, in the deep and at drop-offs, and on the windward side where the wind airs the surface. Count the bait down and fish deeper than in spring.

Is it all right to release fish in warm water?

Be careful. Warm water makes the fish more fragile after playing and survival on release drops. Fish gently, play quickly, and consider keeping the fish you catch rather than releasing a hard-played fish.

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