Lakes Report - July 25, 2024

So dang hot!  It seems a bit like we flew right past the fun of the complex summer lake hatches in a week and now are finding the late summer lake doldrums on a significant number of stillwaters.  The good news is that the weather report suggests that tomorrow will be the start of a bit of a cooler spell with highs in the 70s , lows in the low 40s and (hopefully) upper 30s, and a good bit of wind.  My hope is that we see surface temps on the lakes drop down a bit, and the fish get a chance to spend more time up shallow feeding rather than just during small windows at the start of the day or at night.

Mixed reports abound from our regions stillwaters, primarily tied to water temps.  So, if you are struggling to find feeding fish, take a water temp and then maybe move spots or lakes accordingly.  This is a fantastic time to break out the hiking boots and float tubes and get way up high into those back country lakes where the water is still cooler.  Otherwise, get on the lower lakes early (dawn) and stay until those surface temps get too high for a proper/safe release.  

Food sources?  Still lots to chose from...

Chironomids persist in a range of sizes.  Callibaetis are poppin, requiring nymph, emerger, dun, and spinner patterns.  Caddis in all sizes and shapes are on the move.  Tricos are out en mass.  The glorious Odonates, the damsels and dragons, are swimming, hatching, and buzzing all around and often finding themselves in the path of hungry trout.  Leeches remain relevant and creepy as always, especially during times of lower ambient light.  And terrestrials like ants, beetles, and hoppers are becoming more relevant each day!