3 Tips for Trout Fishing in the Colorado Summer

The phrase “dog days of summer” might have originally been coined to discuss lazy hounds but the sentiment also applies to trout in the heat. While summer trout fishing requires special considerations, following the right strategies can also make it the most productive season of the year.

Summer Trout Fishing Tips and Tricks

Here are our top tips for catching trout in the Colorado summer:

1. Get an Early Start (Or a Late One)
In the warm months of summer, the most common trout deterrent is hot, bright sunlight. Trout typically neglect to feed during the day, instead opting for a large breakfast and dinner when the sun is barely up or heading down.

Additionally, a loud lake will discourage fish to feed. If you are fishing an area that generally sees high summertime traffic, you will typically find trout only hiding out in the deepest parts of the lake waiting for the bustle to die down before re-emerging. Therefore, early mornings or late nights might be your most productive time of day.

2. Get Familiar With the Thermocline
A thermocline is found in any body of water and is defined as the area with the greatest temperature variation. When water temperatures are high, the thermocline becomes the top hangout spot for fish to cool off.

Finding the thermocline is fairly easy with a bit of research. Officials take frequent readings and will often publish the information online, and certain fish finders are equipped to read for it as well. Checking with local tackle shops and marinas might be a good resource as well.

3. Experiment With Lures
Finding a prime location is crucial to summer fishing, but so is carrying the right equipment with you. Trout can develop a specific lure preference, especially in hot weather.

In tailwaters, colors of chartreuse, pink and white will attract trout well, especially on in-line spinners and small casting spoons. In a lake setting, select corn, small minnows and red worms under floating lights. Trout also frequently seek out flies that are injured and trapped on the surface of the water, so finding a lure to draw out their predatory nature is often successful.

While high temperatures and busy waters can be discouraging, finding the right strategy can change the course of your entire summer haul. Figuring out what trout want always involves a bit of trial-and-error but it is so rewarding when you get it right.

If you’re ready to connect with the beauty of Colorado on your own plot of land, get in touch with us today! We have a network of outdoor enthusiasts and a passion for getting people outside.