Flyfishing Forecast

July 10th to August 1st

by Shawn Saunders

Synopsis

Whether you want to fish moving or still waters, fishing will generally be great depending on the localized weather. Regardless of thunderstorms and rain, trout will be very active on all area waters making this time of year your best opportunity to catch fish from high mountain lakes to valley streams. Of course some will fish better than others, but as a rule the average flyfisher may see good success landing fish on most fisheries especially with one of our guides.

Duration

With all of our waters beginning to settle into summer flows and temperatures, it is now time to weigh the options! Summer can bring some very rewarding fishing opportunities since trout are now opportunistic and looking for hatches. The time frame we are looking at is from July 1st through the middle of August for Southern Utah stream waters. Whether it is the Fremont River, Sevier or Mammoth Creek, trout will feed when conditions are just right and that is when you want to take advantage of the opportunity. During this period you should expect good morning hatches of tricos, baetis, stoneflies and midges. Grasshopper and other terrestrial patterns will be good anytime of the day. Evening will bring prolific hatches of various caddis and mayflies.

Starting with the time of day, when the tricos get started towards the July 4th holiday, it will be necessary to be on the water around 8am. Evening caddis hatches will begin around 7pm and continue until after dark. Dedicate the hardest fishing early and late with some breaktime in the afternoon heat is the most effective way to spend your time.

Water Type

Perhaps the most important thing to be aware of is where to find trout during the summer when they are trying to avoid the afternoon high water temperatures. Fish will move into shallow riffles and back eddies during hatches and back into the deeper pools and undercuts in the afternoon.

General Summer Fishing Advice

Stay confident and plan to fish during the prime time of the day, if possible. This is such a great time of year as every fish in the water is going to eat sometime. Arm yourself with every possible fly available as hatches are many and fish become somewhat more picky. Use light enough tippet for the size of fly you choose and be stealthy not to spook trout while water levels are low.

Report filed by Shawn Saunders

Updated: 07-06-09