Heat = Danger

Danger for the trout, especially. Just a reminder for everyone who fishes in the Southwest Rockies...frequently test the temperatures on the streams you're fishing throughout the day. If the stream temperature reaches 67 degrees, please stop fishing. Trout become stressed and lethargic in high temperatures, and the mortality rate after being caught and released can be high, even if handled properly.

Check water temperature - keep a thermometer in your sling pack and check the stream temperature frequently.

Fish early - fish in the early mornings when water temperatures are cooler.

Keep trout wet - don't handle the trout and keep your net in the water, use a forcep to remove hook, then tip your net to release him.

Minimum fight time - bring in the trout to the net in shortest time possible to minimize exertion of a trout fighting your tight line.

I was up on top of the mountain with Rich a couple of weeks ago when temperatures were still acceptable. Even then as I was walking upstream, I saw a dead trout in the water. It was probably from poor handling by an angler during the release. So, please, in warm waters it's even more important to be careful during catch and release moments.

Yup, I'm saying prayers for some monsoon activity to cool down the streams...and return flows to normal levels.