06-14-2021, 04:47 PM
Guess its a real problem for the slime rocket factories this year... low/warm water and crap loads of hatchery-raised 9" rainbows that need to be dumped into the drink.
Freshly stocked trout into 67* F surface temps is not a good formula for success. At those temps fish are getting into their stress zones with respect to dissolved oxygen. These fish are typically disoriented to begin with after their truck ride and swim along the shoreline in loose schools - sometimes for days before normalizing to their new home.
Thermal shock is not uncommon by the way. All trout anglers should carry a thermometer, especially if you are C&R angler. Even fish that seem to swim away normally in risky water temps will be very challenged to extract the needed oxygen from warm water. Many fish nose dive to their grave after being fought/released under these conditions.
Freshly stocked trout into 67* F surface temps is not a good formula for success. At those temps fish are getting into their stress zones with respect to dissolved oxygen. These fish are typically disoriented to begin with after their truck ride and swim along the shoreline in loose schools - sometimes for days before normalizing to their new home.
Thermal shock is not uncommon by the way. All trout anglers should carry a thermometer, especially if you are C&R angler. Even fish that seem to swim away normally in risky water temps will be very challenged to extract the needed oxygen from warm water. Many fish nose dive to their grave after being fought/released under these conditions.
"We fish for pleasure... I for Mine, you for yours." -James Leisenring