Summer means more time to fish, but it also brings higher temperatures—and for wild trout, that can be deadly.

In this episode, host Braden Evans shares a personal story about the day he learned the hard way what heat can do to trout. Then we dive into the science behind water and air temperature stress, catch-and-release mortality, and what every angler can do to fish more responsibly when the mercury rises.

🎣 We cover:

• What temperature is too hot to fish

• Scientific studies on trout physiology and mortality

• How air temps and photos can silently kill fish

• What tools and tactics make summer fishing safe

• How to be a better steward without giving up the sport

Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just learning the ropes, this episode is a call to protect the resource we all love—one cool stream and thoughtful cast at a time.

🧊 Resources Mentioned:

🔬 1. Gale et al. (2013)
Title: Physiological consequences of catch-and-release angling on rainbow trout and the effects of air exposure duration
Journal: North American Journal of Fisheries Management
DOI: 10.1080/02755947.2013.824931
Found that even 30 seconds of air exposure at elevated water temperatures can result in significant post-release mortality.

🔬 2. Ferguson, R. A., and Tufts, B. L. (1992)
Title: Physiological effects of brief air exposure in exhaustively exercised rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss): implications for "catch and release" fisheries
Journal: Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
DOI: 10.1139/f92-129
Demonstrated that just 60 seconds of air exposure after exhaustive exercise significantly increases mortality risk.

🔬 3. Gingerich, A. J., et al. (2007)
Title: Evaluation of the effects of catch-and-release angling on the survival and behavior of wild brook trout
Journal: North American Journal of Fisheries Management
DOI: 10.1577/M05-211.1
Found that high air temperatures and air exposure during release resulted in elevated cortisol and lactate levels, increasing post-release mortality.

🔬 4. Isaak, D. J., et al. (2020)
Title: Climate change effects on stream and river temperatures across the northwest U.S. from 1980–2009 and implications for aquatic species
Journal: Freshwater Biology
DOI: 10.1111/fwb.13532
Identified air temperature as the dominant driver of daily stream temperature increases, especially in smaller, exposed headwater streams.

🔬 5. Trout Unlimited
Title: Safe Water Temperatures for Catch and Release Trout Fishing
Source: www.tu.org
Offers practical temperature thresholds for fishing:

• Below 65°F – Safe to fish

• 65–68°F – Fish with caution

• Above 68°F – Avoid fishing for trout

🔬 6. Keep Fish Wet
Source: www.keepfishwet.org
Science-based guidance on best handling practices, emphasizing minimizing air exposure, reducing handling time, and keeping fish wet.

📸 Join the convo:
Tag your summer temps with #FlyingTroutTemps and share how you fish responsibly when the heat is on.

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