How Hot is too Hot to Fly Fish?

Social media is abuzz with articles and tips to avoid overstressing trout during the hot summer months, and for good reason!

You probably have a good idea of when summer fishing starts to go downhill and when temperatures get too hot for trout, but how hot is too hot?

• Warm water has less oxygen compared to cold water.
• 68°F or 20°C water temperature is when most trout begin feeling stressed. Studies show that brook trout are more sensitive at around 65°F or 18°C.
• 67°F or around 19°C water temperature is the no-fish zone.
• Stagnant versus moving water tends to have greater differences in oxygen levels.
• Test water temperatures in moving water for a more accurate measure. If the temperature is 67°F or higher, it is not recommended to continue fishing.

Once stream temps hit 65 degrees (and higher) the odds of killing a trout go up exponentially. 

There are ways to combat this, such as going early in the morning or using heavier tippet to land fish fast, but at some point even those efforts are futile and it’s best to leave a favorite trout water alone.  The problem is, our urge to go fishing doesn’t quit just because it’s summer and targeting trout becomes unethical! 

Finding ways to get your fix without overstressing fish can be a Rubix cube to solve, but there are some easy solutions out there for anglers who think outside of the box and don’t mind going after other species. 

What should I do once it becomes too hot to fish?

When it’s too hot to fish for trout around where you live, you only really have a few options.

1. Hike to remote areas at higher elevations.
2. Fish tailwaters flowing from a lake or reservoir.
3. Fish warm water.
   • Panfish
   • Carp
   • Bass
4. Don’t fish at all.
5. Fish only early in the morning.

Fly Fish for Panfish

While they’re gaining popularity, panfish are still relatively overlooked by fly anglers.  Heading out to a local farm pond and catching bluegill or crappie is a fantastic way to spend a summer evening with a fly rod. They might not be huge, but they’ll attack a popper and that action on the surface can be more than enough to scratch the fly fishing itch when trout streams are too warm.  As an added bonus, a mess of panfish makes for a delicious meal and there’s nothing better than a summertime fish fry of crappie and bluegill!

Fly Fish for Carp

Carp are referred to as the “freshwater bonefish.” They can grow to massive lengths and provide a good fight once hooked. However, it can be difficult to get one to bite if you’re unfamiliar with the sport. They are incredibly sensitive to vibrations, shadows, and disturbances in the water, which makes them extremely elusive on the fly.

Because they can grow to be 20 to 30 pounds, you’ll need to use an 8-weight fly rod and 100-yards of backing on a reel with a good drag system.

If you’re looking for a great guide to fly fish for carp, read here.

Fly Fish for Bass

Bass certainly have a threshold for warm water as well, but it’s nowhere near the temperatures for trout.  Rivers and lakes can hold some lunker bass, and tangling with some smallmouth can make even the most devout trout anglers forget about the local stream that’s running low and hot.  They’re not always an easy fish to master, so the challenge of learning new waters and figuring out bass is well worth the time.  The style of fishing is also a welcome relief from throwing size 26 tricos and spooking trout by merely false casting a few times.  Tossing streamers or poppers and watching a chunky smallie destroy the fly isn’t the worst way to spend a summer day on the water!

Hike to New Water

The higher you go up in elevation, the lower the water temperatures become. Looking for spring-fed streams or streams fed by snowmelt are great places to find cool temps.

Use Google Maps to discover alpine lakes. These mountain lakes and ponds are usually near a trail system, which can provide a fantastic opportunity during these tough trout months. Plus, you can get away from crowds.

Most of these lakes are quite remote and require a decent hike up to reach.

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No self-respecting angler wants to impart undue harm on a trout stream.  An Instagram picture isn’t worth destroying a fishery, so many are faced with a choice during the summer months: continue hammering the trout or find another way to get the fly fishing fix. 

Luckily there are other avenues to explore and incredible experiences await those willing to target panfish and bass, along with taking a hike on a new stream.  Summertime heat doesn’t have to mean the end of our fishing for a few months, but it does mean that anglers have to think outside the box and do what’s right for the fish.  Those who do this can be well-rewarded with a mess of crappie or a hard-fighting smallmouth memory!