Fly fishing in a clear stream is
almost every fly fisherman's dream but what happens when you can't
see the fish? Sometimes fish are not near the surface but you
can get a good idea where the fish are by using a thermometer.
Every
fish species has a optimal water temperature in which they
feed the best. Using a thermometer and knowing these
temperatures for the species you are seeking will help let you know
if the fish will be feeding on the top, bottom or at all.
Since fish are cold blooded animals, they will always be seeking out
the water that helps them regulate their body temperature. If
the water is too cold or too warm, there will be a lack of food in
the water thus decreasing the chance of a fish striking your fly.
Take a look at some of the preferred
feeding temperatures for some of the most sought after fly fishing
species.
Artic
Char.....53-61
Bass, Largemouth.....68-82
Bass, Rock.....59-70
Bass, Smallmouth.....65-73
Bass, Striped.....70-78
Bass, White.....66-75
Bluegill.....69-85
Carp.....79-84
Crappie, Black.....70-75
Crappie, White.....61-71
Grayling.....47-52
Pickerel.....66-80
Pike.....55-65
Salmon, Atlantic.....50-62
Shad.....59-70
Steelhead.....48-52
Sunfish.....55-80
Trout, Brook.....45-65
Trout, Brown.....45-70
Trout, Cutthroat.....50-65
Trout, Lake.....40-55
Trout, Rainbow.....45-75
As the water gets colder in the winder months, fish tend to seek
out warmer water. In lakes and ponds fish such as bass and
other warm water fish go to deep water where the temperature
remains a little warmer throughout the winter. When fishing
for these species in these circumstances it might be a good idea
to use your sinking tip fly line to get the fly down deep where
the fish are holding. As the water begins to warm in the
spring and summer months, these fish move up to shallower areas
where the water will heat up during the day.
Cold water fish such as trout tend to always seek out cooler
waters. The optimal feeding temperature for most trout is
about 58-61°. When the water starts to get up around 70°,
use your thermometer to seek out cooler waters. Trout tend
to seek out springs or the mouth of a feeder river where the water
is cooler and more oxygenated.
Remember, every species has its optimal feeding
temperature. Study the above chart to determine where and
when the fish will be most likely to feed for the best results.
