Water Temps

[ozark trout fisher]

I look at the 10 day forecast for around here, and about all I can see is triple digit highs all the way through and lows in the mid-70s after today. Given the low water conditions that are already affecting area streams, this is going to be bad news for some of our trout waters, especially the smaller creeks where the spring flows are less consistent in times of dry weather. As water temperatures on some of our trout streams will almost certainly be rising to the 70 degree mark, I just want to ask fisherman to be aware of this. When water temperatures get to 70 degrees, the likelihood of trout surviving a fight and release quickly begins to plummet. Please invest in a stream thermometer if you don't already have one (you can get them for $10), and either move upstream, chase smallies, or take a break from fishing when the water temperatures are at or above 70. There will continue to be many stretches of trout stream in our state that will stay fishable, so all this requires is a little thought into where you choose to plan your trips. Think bigger rivers with good, consistent sources of cold water, like the Eleven Point, Current, and North Fork of the White, as well as the tailwaters and trout parks . Some states have made a practice of restricting trout angling when water temperatures rise into the danger zone for trout. The MDC doesn't do this yet, so it's up to us to use a bit of common sense.