Week of August 3rd 2025: Heat Relief
Week of August 3rd: Heat Relief
Oh, thank goodness for the cool weather. I don’t need to tell anyone how brutal it has been out there. Anglers attempting to beat the heat (and the sun) last week were met with morning temperatures ten degrees above average. Then things changed. My eyes, when they saw the morning temps, looked like this summer mayfly’s eyes.
Suddenly it’s been cool and I, and others, took advantage of the brief window of opportunity. Some had some luck; I did not. I went to my favorite spot on the Musky and didn’t even see a blue gill, nary a bass,, and certainly no trout. I even went back on Sunday. Same deal and the other seven anglers I saw before 8:30 am didn’t seem to find any fish either. The TCA otherwise looks great, but the dearth of fish was disappointing.
The South Branch, and outside of the TCA at the gorge, may have been the better option with several customers and another, nameless source, attested to finding trout and mixed in with other species in the regular regulations area. Maybe we can squeak one more morning of cold–enough water before the heat returns this week.
More realistically the focus remains on warm water fishing and returning to favorite parks and ponds to indulge in a few casts. I had a great learning trip for a client who learned to cast a fly rod before a lake trip in the Adirondacks. To kick things off we went to Spruce Run and waded beyond the reeds along the Highlands Trail as it hugs the bank of the reservoir. We worked on casting poppers and streamers while witnessing several large fish, splashing and feeding, some tens of yards away in the deep water. To work on catching we moved to a small pond and were surprised by a catfish among the several pan fish and bass that cooperated before the sun was too high overhead.
Stop by, Wednesday to Sunday, before you venture to see what is out there. We carry several poppers in various colors and sizes and other flies crafted to entice bass and panfish. One pattern I have neglected this summer has been hoppers and this week I aim to correct that. Visit our section of terrestrials after you see the crawfish and Krousers.
If you are looking for a serious discount - try your luck with a Fly Tying Mystery Bag - a forty dollar value for ten bucks! You may not see exactly what is in the mystery bag, but each contains packs of feathers, fur, beads, synthetics and beads.
NEW PATAGONIA SOCKS are here! IYKYK. New jackets, vests, shirts, and other Patagonia apparel are in stock. Be sure to see what’s available - including what few items are left from last year’s line - now priced to move. Find clothes to layer for mornings on the West Branch while wading in 46 degree tailwater goodness or the new sun shirt, for 40+ UPF protection on the kayak or paddle board - two styles in stock.
The summer is here to enjoy for a few more weeks. Stop by before your next trip.
See you out there, Roy B.