Safe Trout Handling: Keeping Fish Cool in the Summer Heat

How to keep our fishy friends swimming strong when the temps heat up in Central Oregon.

The summer season is the most popular time for anglers to be on the water, and the fish see the most flies from June through August. If you go to the fishing hotspots around Bend, like the Fall River or Big Bend Campground, there's a chance dozens of Tacomas and Rivians are also showing up for the phenomenal days of fishing. But these days of good insect activity and hungry fish coincide with sweltering heat.

The heat is a double-edged sword for the fish because, in places like the Fall River or Crooked River, right below the dam, there is an abundance of cold water that changes slightly throughout the day but maintains favorable temperatures for the fish. For these fish, the heat means their favorite snacks, PMDs and caddis, are moving around, preparing to emerge.

In other waterways, such as our shallower lakes or further downstream on our rivers, where the desert sun has time to heat the water, it is important to be mindful of the water temperature because fish become much more vulnerable from playing and handling. 70-degree water should be the maximum temperature for any catch-and-release angler, regardless of where you are fishing. Many people say 70 is too high and place the cutoff temperature at 66-68 degrees.

Keep those wild steelhead wet

Why Do Fish Need Cool Water?

Salmonids are dependent on cool water for survival, especially vulnerable species like bull trout and cutthroat that evolved in snow-fed or spring-fed mountain streams. When water warms, there is less dissolved oxygen for the trout and char to use, so they might move to water types that push more water past their gills to acquire the needed supply. Or they may go deeper to cooler parts of the river.

In these instances, the fish are already altering their behavior to accommodate the changing water temperature, and angling can only intensify their complications with warm water; therefore, it's important to be mindful of the water temperature at the river or lake you are fishing.

As an angler, it can be too easy to convince yourself that you know how to handle fish properly, or you will keep them wet when landed, but sometimes that isn't enough, and fish mortality is still a very real possibility.

Luckily, in Central Oregon, we find ourselves near several beautiful streams that never rise to unsafe temperatures, but these tips will help when you find yourself fishing waterways that are affected by the heat. Here are a few ways to understand the water and improve your fish handling in the heat.

Tips and Tricks to Safe Trout Handling

1. Use a Thermometer

   This is a great tool to have on the river. They offer a variety of different styles: some that attach to nets, hang from your pack, or stay on your boat. Checking for trout healthy water temperatures is only one way to utilize it; it is a good tool for cataloging where fish are, depending on water temperature, or what bugs are hatching at certain temperatures.

2. Find Cold Water

   In Central Oregon, this is relatively easy to do. Go to USGS Water Data to check on the stream temperature closest to where you want to fish. Or go to a river or lake that is a safe bet on water temperature, like the Metolius or high alpine lakes.

3. Fish Early

   Another easy way to protect the trout is to fish early in the day and avoid the heat altogether. Wake up with the birds and head to the river early before the rest of the recreationists hit the water. Oftentimes, this means you get first dibs on your fishing spot and a peaceful morning to yourself. The heat and sun can be just as bad for anglers as it is for fish.

4. Alternate Species

   Trout are not the only game in town when it comes to fly fishing. The rivers, lakes, and reservoirs surrounding Central Oregon host several species that not only survive in the heat but thrive. The two big players are smallmouth and largemouth bass. Smallmouth can be found in most reservoirs, like Lake Billy Chinook, Ochoco, and Prineville Reservoir. Largemouth can be found in the same places, but they are especially plentiful in places like Davis Lake. Carp are another fun fish to catch on the fly as they pull hard and grow to large sizes. These fish are no cake walk to catch; they require a stealthy approach and accurate fly placement, but when presented with a well-thrown fly, they are eager to eat. Crappie, bluegill, and sunfish are also tons of fun to catch at your local pond.

5. Use a Net

   Nets are a great tool for landing fish in all seasons. They limit the handling needed to release the fish, and they keep them wet while snapping a quick picture. When you finally get the big one on the line, it makes it a lot less nerve-racking knowing you have a net to scoop it up at the end of the fight. The net is a great place to let a fish breathe and recoup from being caught.

6. Use Heavier Tippet

   Increasing your tippet size by one or two is a great way to fight fish appropriate for the hot summer days. The longer a fish struggles in warm, poorly oxygenated water, the more likely it is to die from the interaction. Size up the tippet and put the wood to the fish to help land it quickly and get it back home.

7. No Hero Shots

   If you have been angling for a while, chances are there are plenty of pictures of grip 'n grins with nice fish, which frankly get old after seeing 100 a day on Instagram. Try something new and level up your photography skills by focusing on the fish, whether it be resting in the net or half-submerged in the water. Hero shots that remove the fish from the water, even if it is only for a few seconds, harm the fish. If holding the fish is a must, then keep its head and gills in the water while the photo is taken.

8. Practice Casting

   Summer is a great time to hone your skills while not actively fishing. Head to the lawn or the local pond to work on your double haul, reach casts, or accuracy. As anglers, we can always improve our craft to maximize our efficiency and ability to take advantage of the next fishy opportunity.

9. Do Something Else

   Golf, mountain bike, hike, have a beer, etc. Always something to do in Central Oregon besides fish.

   

   Montana cutthroat caught on the 'boo

Go Fish with the Trout in Mind

These tips are meant for you to use at your discretion and are by no means a complete guide that you need to implement every time you fish. Be aware of the environment and the fish we all love during the last few months of summer. Have fun and tight lines on the river!