Summer signals the prime time for fly fishing—long days, active fish, and vibrant hatches. But while the season is inviting, it demands some strategy shifts to make the most of it. Here are eight expert tips to help anglers thrive during the hottest months of the year.
1. Fish Early or Late, Not During the Heat
Midday sun can slow down fishing and put stress on fish. Morning and evening are the best windows for action. Not only are temperatures cooler, but insect activity and fish feeding increase dramatically. Fishing during these times also helps ensure released fish have a better chance of survival due to higher oxygen levels in cooler water.
2. Match the Hatch Progression
As the day warms up, insect activity changes. Begin with nymphs in the cool morning hours, then move to emergers late morning. Switch to dry flies in the afternoon when bugs are hatching on the surface. By evening, spinners can trigger some of the most dramatic surface takes. Organize your fly box by life stage to keep up.
3. Mind Your Shadow
The summer sun may be great for your tan, but it can spook fish if you’re not careful. Long shadows in the morning and evening can give away your position. Pay attention to where your shadow falls and adjust your position to keep it off the water, especially in clear, shallow streams.
4. Embrace Terrestrials
Terrestrial flies—beetles, ants, grasshoppers—shine in the summer months. These land-based insects often end up in the water and become an easy meal for opportunistic trout. Even small fish will smash a hopper. For night fishing, consider tossing a mouse pattern—big browns love them in meadow streams.
5. Leave the Waders Behind
Wet wading is a summer luxury. On hot days, ditch the chest waders and enjoy the refreshing feel of the water. Wet wading also helps with maneuverability and keeps you lighter on your feet. Plus, if you take a tumble, there’s no risk of filling up your waders.
6. Handle Fish with Extra Care
Warmer water means less oxygen and slower recovery for fish. If you’re practicing catch-and-release, handle fish gently and quickly. Land them fast, keep them wet, and revive them in gentle currents before releasing. The fish—and the future of the fishery—will thank you.
7. Go Where Others Don’t
Summer crowds can make popular waters tough to fish. Use the season’s accessibility to your advantage and explore less-pressured areas. Backcountry streams, overlooked creeks, and higher-elevation waters often produce better results—and more solitude.
8. Target Faster Water
During colder months, fish stay in deep, slow pools. In the summer, those areas can get too warm and oxygen-poor. Fish now move into faster, more oxygenated water. Shallow riffles, seams, and runs offer excellent fishing and are often overlooked by less-adaptable anglers.
Make the Most of Summer on the Fly
Summer fly fishing can be some of the most rewarding of the year—if you adapt. Shift your schedule, change up your flies, and think about fish health as temperatures rise. Whether you’re chasing wild trout in alpine creeks or targeting bass on big rivers, these tips will help you land more fish and enjoy the season.
Image/Source: fishuntamed
