Tips for Fishing in Hot Temps
Tips for Fishing in Hot Temps
The average summertime temperatures in Iowa are between 82°F and 87°F, and mid-day temperatures often touch 90° to 100°F throughout the state. Not to terrible…right? With humidity levels easily reaching over 70 percent, it can make an outdoor enthusiast think twice before heading to the open water. Even worse, the sun reflecting off of the water seems to magnify the suns rays and burn you quickly. Iowa’s fish population will also feel this heat much like we do. So how do we catch them during these hot days?
First, we should look at the basics. Even on a hot day, there are obviously certain times of the day that will be cooler. Mornings and evenings are without a doubt the best times for fishing. This is because we can actually stand being out there. The same goes for fish. The water has cooled from the night before, or is cooling after the long hot day of direct sunlight. Very few of us want to be out in the sun, getting burnt, and wiping sweat from our eyes.
Keeping Cool
The fish throughout Iowa also do not want to be swimming in hot water, raising their body temperatures. Fish are most active during these times. The brightest, hottest part of the day may not be the best choice as the fish will move to deeper water to cool down.
What do most humans do when we are out in the hot sun? That’s right… look for shade. Under water creatures will do just like us and head for some soothing shade. The water temperature will change drastically under a shade tree just like our air temperature. The fish love it just like we do.
Besides a large oak tree making a huge shadow (and making it very hard to cast under), there are plenty of other places to find shaded fish habitats. Look for other sources of cover that are above the water.
You can always utilize the shadows of docks and tall banked edges. If it casts shade onto the water, then it is sure to cool under the water.
Where to Look for Fish
There are plenty of underwater obstructions that will stop the sun’s powerful rays from shining deep into a clean body of water. Feel (or maybe even look) for vegetation under the surface. Thick foliage will be dark and much cooler than the open water. This allows for predatory game fish (like bass, crappie, bluegill, walleye, and catfish) to back into a cool area while watching the open water for baitfish to unknowingly swim by. This also gives you a target to run your lure or bait past their hungry eyes. If the body of water that you are fishing has a spillway or a fast flowing area; this will also be a cooler and more aerated spot. Focus your casts into these areas as well.
Use the Weather
If fighting the mid-day summer heat is not your preferred method of fishing, then try watching the upcoming weather patterns. Throughout Iowa, it is not uncommon for a thunderstorm to roll in and cause a little havoc.
However, these storms can be an angler’s best friend. An approaching storm will quickly lower the barometric pressure and temperature. This will put fish into a frenzy. They seem to start looking for a safe spot to ride out the storm and they usually start quickly feeding. This will give you a great opportunity, so take advantage.
Water Column Temperatures
Water column temperatures are very important to pay attention to also. Simply put, the deeper the water the colder it gets. Water temperatures throughout the winter are very uniform. When the water warms to 39.2°F in the early spring, it reaches its maximum density (heaviness), and it begins to sink and mix. Wind will also help to mix the water column, from top to bottom. This seasonal mixing is called “turnover”. In the middle of Iowa’s hot summer, the sun will heat the surface waters. The winds will die down and will no longer be strong enough to mix the water column. The surface water becomes very warm, but the deeper water will remain much colder. This is called a “thermocline”. So, it is necessary to find the ideal temperature and depth for the species that you are fishing for.
During the morning hours bluegill and largemouth bass tend to stay near the shallow water
Crappie and walleye usually stay at a mid depth range. The channel catfish can be found in the medium to deeper portions of water. Once the hottest part of the mid-day moves in, bluegill and largemouth bass will move to the medium depth or a hair deeper and the channel catfish and walleye will stay in the dark cooler depths. When the cooler evening arrives, the bluegill and largemouth bass will return to the shallows looking for baitfish. The crappie and walleye will maintain a medium depth. As usual the bottom feeding channel catfish stays in the deepest parts.
Match what the Fish would Eat
During the summer months most Iowa species will have a similar diet. Eat what is swimming or crawling by. Match the size of your lure or bait to the size of the prey that your target usually eats. As prey species like shad or small panfish grow throughout the summer, predator fish will likely go after the standard size prey from that body of water. This will increase your chances of catching a hot, yet hungry fish. Crank baits, led-head jigs, flashy spinnerbaits, and crawdads are very popular choices in most areas throughout Iowa during the summertime. If you are after panfish, think small. They will surely go after flies, jigs, and even leaches or worms.
Summary
It may seem unbearable to fish in Iowa’s mid summer heat; but it can be rewarding. The fish will change their everyday patterns a bit, but if you know how they react to the heat, you can also change your tactics to stay on top of them. Remember, while you have all of this on your mind to take care of yourself as well. Being in the heat and sun can take a toll on our bodies. Wear sunscreen, drink water, and stay as cool as you can while you hammer the hiding trophy fish this year!
by Billy Prior
August 2020
Check Out this Article on Fishing Summer in Iowa –
