Summer Heat is Just About Here

It is almost unbelievable that there are trout streams in southeastern Pennsylvania, so close to downtown Philadelphia. But there are downsides...

As we head into the latter part of June, temperatures definitely start rising. And with that comes warmer water temperatures too. Some streams can get into the 70s. This is not good for trout, and then the smallmouths and panfish take over. In mid-June of 2014, our first heat wave had air temperatures in the 90s, and we will soon see water temperatures over 70 in many streams.

Once June arrives, many large fly hatches are over; the cream cahills and slate drakes hatch in early to mid June. You'll have to wait until August for the next big hatch: Trico.

July is probably the lowest point in trout fishing for southeastern Pennsylvanians. Most trout have died off after the warm water temperatures and fly hatches are mainly over. There many be a few holdover trout, but they are struggling to hold on.

So if you're heading out to a stream in Southeastern Pennsylvania, beware, the fish, the flies, and the water, is changing.