As the fishing season progresses, the fish change their behavior and habitats to find the ideal water temperature for survival. At this point you need to change your fishing technique to thwart them and increase our chances of success.
I experienced this recently while fishing with a group. There were a few handles but not the size I wanted. As we were fishing speckled trout and it was very hot I decided to try my hand at the middle of the lake which has a large pool. I’m trading my spinning rod for my sinking line fly rod. At the end of the leader I place a Redtail Muddler Minnow with a white wing. A little higher I place a second Muddler Minnow, this time with a black tail. I place a small piece of earthworm on each of the flies, a gesture fly fishing purists will condemn. But fishing is about catching fish. I’ve always believed that in order to attract the fish, you have to give it what it wants.
Once I start fishing like this, trout quickly jump onto my bait. In the next hour I catch specimens of half a pound, three quarters and even more than a pound. However, this lake was famous for giving only small trout. On our return to the receiving station the manager mentioned that we had the best fishing of the day out of the fifty or so fishermen present that day. The next day, the same scenario is repeated at another lake. On the way back, the manager asks me to give him my things.
A MATTER OF LOGIC
In the end, after careful consideration and considering the conditions, I made the right decision. It’s not rocket science, it’s a matter of logic.
“It’s true that you have to make the right choice of bait and fishing tools depending on the season,” explains professional guide Bruno Morency. Anglers get many results from surface fishing early in the season as that is where the fish find their preferred water temperature. They look for warmer water, oxygen and food in specific places like water intakes. It is therefore easier to fish without having to use techniques to go deeper. »
For trout, its ideal temperature is between 54 and 57 degrees, while for zander, which is not a cold-water fish as many amateurs think, temperatures in excess of 60 degrees are present.
“It is found at temperatures of 67 degrees. That means it can be caught in very shallow water, 5 to 8 feet, Morency explained. He must be found in his hunting posts. »
The specialist goes in the same direction as I said above, which is that one should not be afraid to improvise to get the fish where it is.
“On that subject, I would tell you that many people believe that the bottom walker is only useful for zander fishing. However, you can’t find a better way to present inviting bait to a speckled trout at the bottom of a pit where the water temperature is most appropriate. Just put a good rig on the back with our favorite spoon and at least a 36 inch fluo carbon hooklink and a nice earthworm. The fish will not be able to resist. »
So go with your current intuition. This is often the key to success.
New image for the FPQ
The Fédération des pourvoiries du Québec has just unveiled its new brand image. This innovation has resulted in significant changes to the website. Now the navigation is simplified and focuses mainly on discovering the main services and activities offered by outfitters. Hunting and fishing are on an equal footing with nature, the variety of accommodation and motor sports. A blog has also been set up to showcase success stories, tips and tricks, adventure stories and more. This new way of presenting equipment in Quebec is a good example of the change that outfitters have made over the years. Although they remain dedicated to hunting and fishing, they have developed other services to meet the needs of today’s clientele. To learn more and discover the website: www.pourvoiries.com.