Summer Heat is Here

Well summer must be here as forest fires, fire bans and high temperatures abound.  At this time of the year the stillwater opportunities narrow as trout move to deeper cooler climes or cease feeding.  Still there are a few opportunities.

August is ‘bomber’ time!  On a number of the province’s rich mud bottomed algae type lakes huge pupa are beginning to stir.  Although the lake may look like pea soup at times rest assured that the trout use the blue green algae cover to their full advantage.  Remember, algae growth is stimulated by the sun’s rays and as such extends down anywhere from 6-10 feet.  Below the green algae canopy fish cruise and feed confidently in the dark sometimes cooler water.

Large pupa patterns, some tie on #6 scud hooks, in dark brown, olive, green and the ever popular anti static bag variants are often the patterns of choice.  Use stark white beads such as the Stillwater Solutions SuperWhite beads.  White beads are immune to algal staining and their bright nature draws trout from a distance.

Although large patterns often predominate smaller patterns also have their moment in the sun at this time.  Last summer on Leighton Lake for example during the midday a small #12 or #14 Collaborator or Summer N Red moved fish consistently when the larger patterns wouldn’t.  Keep this in mind when your larger pupal patterns aren’t producing.

Our spring Learning with the Pros seminar weekend was a huge success with over 30 people in attendance.  Brian and I enjoy these seminars and the friendly interaction they provide. Fishing was unusually slow.  Brian and I believe that the high water and full moon had a definate effect.  Still there are worse ways to spend a weekend.  One gentleman drifted by us with a unique and effective alternative to hours of casting or staring at an indicator!

This fall marks the first Advanced Learning With the Pros weekend seminar.  Brian and I are looking forward to the October 2-3 weekend.  At last count 13 people had booked in with some coming from as far as Wisconsin!  I believe there is only one space left.  Based upon this response I think it is safe to say there will be another Advanced Seminar in 2011.

Enjoy your summer and be safe!

Phil

Filed under General | Comment (1)