Early and late is the best time to throw poppers for bass and panfish.
When these crazy heat waves are upon us, the fish feel it to, that’s for sure. Trout become more and more lethargic as the heat raises the water temps in their habitats. Water temperature aside, they become more and more pressured as anglers and boaters alike flock to tailwaters to escape the heat. Summers in Tennessee can be very trying times for trout, especially our stocked tailwater residents. If you do go after them, early and late in the day are best.
Molly landed her first trout on a fly rod on a mid-July morning this year!
Fishing for warmwater species in the dead of summer carries with it similar tactics. If you go, focus on fishing EARLY. extremely early. if you show up at the water after daylight you are too late, and odds are you should have just stayed home. Most of the fishing this summer has been off by mid-morning, causing us to drive the boat out into the middle of the lake and take a swim before we head home. Don’t struggle with the heat unless you just want to catch a sunburn. Fish early and get home, or just put the rod up and relax out on or in the water. With cooler weather and cooler nights will come better fishing during the day.
Tim's first fish on a fly rod
