Heat wave brings concerns to early summer fishing

The prolonged oppressive heat, like that we just experienced, affects fishing tactics of bass fishermen more than it does the bass themselves.

Since largemouth and smallmouth bass are cold blooded and are a true warm-water species, they tolerate and thrive in a wide range of water temperatures, including those during hot weather.

Tom Gentalen said the bite has been pretty good early mornings on the river for smallies and found largemouth hitting fairly well during lower tides in chestnut beds. He’s been catching mostly 16 ½-to-17 ½ smallmouth with the over three-pound class “temporarily” eluding him. He reports a 5-pound largemouth was part of the limit of one of his fellow “Tiderunners” in a recent tournament.

Tom said most of his usual offerings including drop shots, swim baits, jigs, worms and spinnerbaits are working pretty well, but top water fishing has not been particularly effective.

While the hot weather does affect when we choose to fish for obvious reasons of personal comfort, the warm water temps that come with it can affect live well survival. It’s recommended to keep your live well running continuously rather than on a timer at this time of year to reduce mortality of black bass.

Trout fishing during low water/drought conditions typical of summer are another story. Trout are extremely sensitive to warm water temps that can prove to be fatal.

You may see large numbers of trout in streams gathering in pools near a cool spring feed or colder water confluence. Trout in this situation are extremely vulnerable to predators including mergansers, herons, otters and, of course, humans. It’s best to resist the temptation to target trout in this circumstance for purely ethical reasons.

Even if you planned to catch and release, the stress of the fight can easily kill trout in streams during hot weather warm water conditions. While trout caught in lakes are susceptible to stress from a long fight, they have more options, especially if it’s a deep, cold water, sufficiently oxygenated lake.

Trout released in warmer streams have nowhere to go to recover compared to those released in deep lakes. Taking a few trout home for the table is always an option, and in the case of a father and son duo fishing in Greene Lake last week, taking two lunkers home for mounting or eating is the perfectly legitimate option they chose.

Frank Magri and his son, Peter Magri, both of Athens, caught two slammer brown trout. One measured 22 inches and weighed over 5 pounds and the other was a 20-inch 3 ½ pounder. Nicely done! Frank Magri also took second place in the Lake Taghkanic Bass Tournament held on June 30.

— Save the Date: The Greene County Youth Fair will be held from July 26-29 at Angelo Canna Park in Cairo. Thanks to local sportsmen and the DEC, this free event will have an added emphasis this year on hunting and fishing.

— The Capital Gun Group and the NYS Rifle & Pistol Association is presenting “Freedom Feast” on Saturday, July 21 from noon to 5 p.m. at Empire Army/Navy at 1836 Columbia Turnpike in Schodack. You can buy advanced tickets for the Giffy’s Chicken BBQ for $20 at Capital Gun Group Stores or buy them for $25 at the event. Proceeds are to benefit local pro-second amendment candidates running this fall.

— Here are the results of the 2nd Lake Taghkanic Bass Tournament held on June 30:

*1st place: The team of Gerry Damm of Elizaville an Rich Pilch of Cannan, Conneticut with 20 pounds, 8.5 ounces.

*2nd place: Frank Magri of Leeds and Pete Klinger of Middleburgh with 16 pounds, 6 ounces.

*3rd place: Harry Praetorius and Ugene Masula of Pallenville with 15 pounds, 8 ounces.

*Lunker was won by Pete Klinger with a weight of 6 pounds even.

*The next tournament will be July 28 on the West Beach. Entry fee is $30 per event. For more information, call Bill Johnson at 518-537-5455.

— The Field & Stream Outdoor Education Series continues at their Latham Farms store at 579 Troy Schenectady Road, with Fishing 101 on Tuesday, July 10 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and “Advanced Bass Fishing Techniques” on Tuesday, July 17 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

— The Columbia Greene Friends of the NRA Banquet is scheduled for Aug. 11 at 4 p.m. at Anthony’s Banquet Hall. For tickets and for more information, email columbiagreenefnra@gmail.com or go to their website at www.friendsofnra.org/eventtickets.

— Remember to report poaching violations by calling 1-844-DEC-ECOS.

Happy hunting and fishing until next time.

You can share any comments with our sports editor at sports@registerstar.com

*If you have a fishing or hunting report, photo, or event you would like to be considered for publication, you can send it to: huntfishreport@gmail.com