July 2021

With drought comes conjecture. How low will the water go as rivers in the Valley approach or surpass historic base flows? Will the snow come this winter and offer a respite for next season? We know not. We still have an unknown distance to go. However, what we do know is how to fish responsibly. We know that water temps in the 50s and low 60s are optimal for fish and once water temps hit 67 degrees to take the rest of the day off. Also by pinching barbs, landing fish quickly, wetting our hands, and keeping the fish in the water we can reduce stress on the trout.

With drought comes conjecture. How low will the water go as rivers in the Valley approach or surpass historic base flows? Will the snow come this winter and offer a respite for next season? We know not. We still have an unknown distance to go. However, what we do know is how to fish responsibly. We know that water temps in the 50s and low 60s are optimal for fish and once water temps hit 67 degrees to take the rest of the day off. Also by pinching barbs, landing fish quickly, wetting our hands, and keeping the fish in the water we can reduce stress on the trout.

“All the water that will ever be is, right now.” - National Geographic The hotter than average weather persists and water levels continue to drop. Cool evening temps have helped, but temps are fluctuating 10 to 12 degrees during the day. Temps that begin in the high 50s can soar to the high 60s or low 70s during the heat...

“During the dry years, the people forgot about the rich years, and when the wet years returned, they lost all memory of the dry years. It was always that way.” - John Steinbeck, East of Eden The forecast continues to predict hot, dry days for the foreseeable future. Fortunately, overnight temperatures will be cooler which will bring the water temperatures...