 |
 |
|
;void(0)) July 8, 2010 Mio to 4001 Bridge With the extremely high temperature heat wave that has been pounding the Midwest, the AuSable River is extremely low. If the trout don’t get a break soon we may see higher than normal mortality. Today (July 8th) the water temperature at 8 a.m. is 73º. Oxygenated water is scarce due to the high temperatures and the lack of flow. Please give the trout a chance to survive and refrain from fishing until the water temperature returns back into the 60's. If you catch a trout in these current conditions, and your intention is to release it, please be aware that it will not survive the trauma of the ordeal.  If you enjoy stalking trophy trout, please remember: large trout are elderly trout. They are no longer in prime physical shape and they fatique easily. Use a stout rod (7 wt) and hoist these fish to the surface and bring them to shore quickly. If you play around battling these old timers on your favorite 5 wt rod, you will probably exhaust them to the point that they will not recover from the battle. Be sure to patiently revive your trout (moving them back and forth facing upstream) before you release them. Studies done to evaluate the stress and mortality levels of trout that were caught and released have shown the mortality rate is probably much higher than most people think. Be aware that during the warm weather months of summer, when the air and water temperatures are high, stress and mortality levels are also considerably higher. Ideally you should bring the fish carefully to the edge of the stream or river and unhook it while it remains in the water. However, most anglers will want to capture the memory of the catch by taking a photograph. If this is your plan, try to keep the fish in the water at all times, handle it as little as possible, and when you do grip the fish, wear a wet cotton glove so you won't remove the trout's protective slime coat. If the hook appears to be deep and not easily removed, cut the line and leave the hook in the fish. The less time the fish is on the line, the better its chance for survival. By considering water conditions, air and water temperatures, fishing techniques and how the fish is handled prior to release, anglers can directly influence the well-being of the fish they are catching and releasing. Remember, just because a fish swims away when released, does not mean damage has not already been done and that the fish won’t still die in the upcoming hours or days from the experience. But, by considering all of these factors and trying to minimizing their stress, the prized trout that you just released will have a better chance of survival to be caught again on another day! Smallmouth Bass Fishing  When water temperatures exceed 70 degrees, trout become lethargic and inactive during the daytime hours. During these sweltering summer days we switch our focus to Smallmouth Bass fishing. During the nighttime, Smallmouth Bass move into the shallows to ambush prey. Surface fishing with large popping patterns (frogs, mice, divers, etc.) after dark can create a lot of excitement. Tom Buhr's informative article on the AuSable River's summertime Smallmouth Bass fishery first appeared in the August 2003 issue of Midwest Fly Fishing Magazine. Click on the hot link to read Tom's story. ;void(0)) | AuSable River Emergence Schedule | AuSable Stream Flow Data | Testament of a Fisherman | AuSable River Trout Fishing Map | Fly Fishing Photo Gallery | | Return Home | Clothing & Outerwear | Footwear | Cross Country Skiing | Corsair Ski Trail Conditions | Kayaking & Canoeing | Hiking & Backpacking | Tawas Bird & Nature Observation | AuSable River Fly Fishing | Events Schedule | Links | Contact Us | Employment | |
||
 |
 |