We have been having the mid summer blues for trout fishing during the early part of July. Very warm day and night temperatures have pushed large and midsized stream well over 70 degrees. That is a very stressful situation for trout. Some literature suggest 67 is when trout start to feel oxygen levels decrease and at 70 they should be left alone. C&R folks should go golfing or chase warm water species, which is what we do
The great thing about Vermont is that there are always option. Having mountains with cool mountains brooks that run down to main tributaries to Lake Champlain, there is always something to fish for. During the mid summer walking a cool mountain stream casting dry flies to brookies then taking a dip is a great way to beat the heat.
The other option is to go to the lower section of larger rivers, below dams, before they empty into the Lake. Here you’ll find numerous warm water species fun to catch on a fly rod.
Fortunately, the weather has taking a turn for the better with night time temperatures getting down to the high 40s-low 50s and some much needed rain we’ll be looking to to have all options available to us.