Fishing Report

Jim Kanda, Gore Creek Fly Fisherman
July 23, 2008

Now that river conditions are beginning to resemble regular summertime flows and our ambient temperatures are slowly creeping up the thermometer, now more then ever we need to be cognizant of how we play, land and handle our finned friends.

As the local rivers and streams continue to go down, water temperatures will begin to climb into the high 50s and low 60s. As water temperature increases, so does the mortality rate for all species of trout. Despite current water temperatures being ideal for a healthy trout population — fluctuating between the mid 40s and low 50s — we need to begin practicing good catch-and-release habits.

In the upcoming weeks, we recommend that you fish during the coolest parts of the day; typically earlier in the morning and in the later evening hours. By being off the water during the middle of the day, you give the fish the opportunity to “relax” and feed without any interference.

In addition to fishing when the water cooler, we would also recommend leaving the lighter rods in the car. When fishing with ultra-light rods, you end up “playing” the fish to too long, further stressing it out. In addition to a using a heavier rod, we highly recommend fishing heavier tippets and leaders. This combination of a heavier rod and leader will allow you to muscle the fish in quickly, thus putting even less stress on the fish.

When you do land your fish, take your time when you go to release your catch. Remember to always wet your hands; this will help prevent you from accidentally removing the protective slime that covers the trout. This slime acts very similar to our own skin, protecting the fish from disease and other bacteria that tend to thrive in warmer water conditions. When releasing the fish, face it upstream into a moderate to light current so that it gently rests in your hands. By placing it in this upstream position, the current will filter through its gills and rejuvenate the trout’s energy to swim away.

It is critical that you take your time when releasing as your catch is not ready to go until it swims away under its own power. Never unhook a fish and simply drop it back into the river. The fish may initially appear fine, but 30 yards downstream that same fish may just belly up and die.

If we get a little help from Mother Nature in the form of rain and follow these few simple practices, the fish that we catch today will be around for all of us to catch tomorrow.