The Mid Summer Lull

There is no secret with how the weather has been lately.  With the temperatures routinely reaching the low to mid 90's for the past 2 weeks we have officially entered the summer fishing twilight zone.  Everything is different.  Everything has changed and it should not take the pool of sweat underneath your chair to make you realize that the fishing is different. July is here, the spring frenzy is over, the fish have drastically changed their behavior, and it's time to rethink strategy.

Let's start with a general species rule.  During these long hot days there are only two points within the day when you should be targeting fish.  Either very early in the morning or very late in the evening.  In other words, target the "twilight" times of the day known as the corpuscular times.  Fish are smarter and more similar to us than you may think.  Would you rather run around in circles in the middle of the day with the hot suns rays beating down on you, or would you rather try to find a nice shade tree and rest underneath it?  Exactly.  Fish want the same thing.

To say that it is "impossible" to catch fish during a hot day would be incorrect.  You can, but it will require a lot of work.  Fish will be incredibly less active during the day in order to save energy and prevent unneeded stress.  Fish will be most active as the day just begins after a cool night or as the sun begins to set and the day is cooling off.  In my opinion, the earlier the better.  But the evening hours can also hold some good fishing as well!
Note: Many warm water species can be easily caught during the day in the summer.  If you can only get out during the day, specifically target bluegill, sunfish, and other panfish.

Get to cold water.  Many people stop fishing for trout as soon as the dog days of summer begin to blanket their state.  It is true that many stocked trout will die in streams as the temperature gets too warm for them and the water begins to shallow out.  Catching trout in these situations can also lead to their death if released as well.  But, to every rule, there is an exception!  Fishing for trout can still be a great success in summer if you know where to go.  Target cold water spring fed streams.  These springs help to keep the water cool enough and in a range that keeps the trout healthy and stress free.  Trout in cool spring fed streams can still be caught during the day, but the evenings are generally more productive as well.
Note: Even though these water conditions are more favorable, still try to release your trout as fast as you can back into the water, and limit their time in the hot air.

Practice patience.  It is a virtue that must be harnessed.  Make sure to plan ahead.  Do not just have a "Plan A" but also have a "Plan B, Plan C, Plan D, and even a Plan E".  Summer fishing and water conditions may leave you skunked in one location and looking for another body of water to get your tight line fix.  When planning a fishing trip, make sure to scope out other locations that are within a manageable driving distance away from where you start, to ensure that if "Plan A" does not work, you have another plan up your sleeve.  Not only could water conditions be unfavorable in regards to water temperature, but aquatic vegetation will also be quick to ruin your day as the thick plants are in full bloom under and on top of the water.
Note: Let others know of your plans.  There is nothing worse than telling your buddies to meet you at one spot, only to leave to go to your "Plan B" spot, and to not be able to make them aware due to a failed cell phone.

Go deep.  Even warm water species do not like water that is too warm.  Warmer water requires deep divers, drop shots, and weighted jigs.  It is worth throwing a top water jig for bass very early or very late in the day, but as the temps start to rise you should start to go deep.

And for all that is good, don't forget your sunblock!!!!!

                                                      ....what the duck.... really?