Summer is a time for getting outdoors, spending time with friends and family, and enjoying nature. A favorite way to do all of this is by fishing, but it can be tough to catch anything other than a sunburn when the temperatures soar unless you change your tactics.

¯ Cooler parts of the day

Air temperature does not matter to fish, at least not in the same way it matters to you or me. What does matter is water temperature. Each species has a preferred temperature range during which they are most active and healthy. Consistent periods of high air temperatures cause a corresponding rise in water temperatures and changes in fish behavior.

The easiest way to counter higher temperatures is to fish when it is cooler. Early morning, late afternoon, and overnight are prime times to target summer fish. The cooler air temperatures and reduced sun exposure make fish more comfortable and move about more freely.

¯ Seek Shade

Once the sun is up, it’s time to seek shade. Just like you do on a bright sunny day, fish will seek protection from the sun’s burning rays. Docks, under bridges, and weed cover are obvious targets. Less obvious but equally productive areas include undercut banks, downed debris piles, and tree-lined banks.

It really does not matter what the source of shade may be; it should be considered when seeking fish in the midday sun. Even undercut banks, breakwaters, or marine walls can provide enough shade to offer protection from direct sunlight.

¯ Go Deep

One of the first things fish will do when the water temperature creeps higher is go to deeper water.

Even species that prefer the shallows will switch to nearby deeper pools during the hottest part of the day. By switching to divers, weighted baits, and heavier lures, you can get down and entice fish when they head deep.

But going deep is only part of the equation; you must remain in the strike zone long enough to entice a bite. Even in cooler water, fish will be less willing to exert too much energy for a single meal, so you need to slow down your presentation and make it easier for them to catch. This is also why many summer anglers will experience an increase in bug bites as the lure or bait drops–it looks like an easy, less-energy-needed opportunity for a tasty treat.

¯ Run the Rapids

Another consequence of hot summer days is decreased dissolved oxygen. Just like humans, fish with decreased oxygen supplies will either move or decrease activity levels. Areas such as rapids where the water is moving and breaking over obstacles or small drops allow oxygen to be introduced into the water, increasing the dissolved oxygen and attracting fish.

¯ Head to the Creeks

Area creeks are often overlooked fishing bonanzas during the summer heat. Whether wet wading a small stream or fishing the mouth where this same water feeds into the larger lake or river, the local creek can be the place to be when temperatures reach their peak.

Many anglers think smaller creeks and streams will be the first to reach unfishable temperatures that drive fish away. The truth is often the opposite. Many of these smaller waterways are spring fed, meaning they have natural water sources near constant temperatures regardless of the time of year.

When fishing this smaller stream, you may still need to focus on rapids, deeper pools, and shaded areas, but the lower water temperatures will attract fish from nearby lakes and rivers and make them more active. It is not uncommon to find the lower sections of your favorite trout stream holding impressive numbers of bass during periods of hot weather.

By combining these tips and targeting areas where fish are more likely to gather, you can turn even the dog days of summer into a fish-catching adventure!