Catch-and-release is the mantra for many anglers pursuing bass, trout and other sport fish, but as the temperature continues to rise in summer, anglers may want to consider keeping a couple for the frying pan or limiting their angling activities to the coolest parts of the day.
The dog days of summer aren’t just hot above the surface; surface water temperatures on most ponds and lakes in the state are regularly hitting the mid-80s with an occasional foray into the 90-degree range. Hot water doesn’t hold nearly as much oxygen as cooler water, and the added temperature increases stress on fish, regardless of oxygen content.
“We suggest fishing tournaments shy away from those July through early September times when the water temperatures are too warm, or at least switch to reduced tournament hours or reduced tournament limits,” Jeremy Risley, Black Bass Program Coordinator for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, said. “If you can do a catch-weigh-release format tournament where you’re not stressing fish with a day in the livewell, you can do that to help a little, too.”…