We're at that point in the summer where we're dealing with some low, clear and often hot water in a lot of places and those conditions aren't ideal for our native trout and char. It's time to really monitor water temperatures closely. Carry a thermometer with you and make other plans when lake or stream water temps exceed the mid-60's on your favorite trout water. Let's keep our salmonids healthy so we can continue to enjoy them again in the fall as the water cools off to acceptable levels.
We could lament the current climate conditions and just stay home and wallow in self-pity, or we can accept them for a moment and switch gears to target species that thrive in warm, weed-choked, oxygen poor waters. For the month of August, The Confluence Fly Shop is having a Warmwater Slam Contest to encourage folks to get after spiny rays, invasive species and critters that thrive when the mercury soars towards triple digits. A slam is defined as catching 3 different species of warmwater fish within the same day. They can be from different bodies of water and size doesn't matter. The contest is simple:
- Catch 3 different species of warmwater fish in the same day and send us an email with a picture of each.
- Species may include but are not limited to: largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, bluegill, pumpkinseed, yellow perch, crappie, catfish and carp.
- For each slam you achieve, email pictures of your catch to scott@theconfluenceflyshop.com and you'll be entered into a drawing for a prize. The more slams, the more entries you get.
- Contest runs from August 1st - August 31st.
Prizes include:
- $100 gift card to the Confluence Fly Shop
- A limited edition Fishpond Hoot Owl Hat
- Pair of Simms Challenger Bibs (your choice of size/color)
Good luck out there and we'll see you on the swamp!