How weather impacts trout habits
Temperatures across Mid-Missouri have remained below average for the last few weeks keeping most waterways frozen over, but temperatures will start to reverse that course into this weekend and next week as highs are expected to increase. This has many anglers dreaming of spring trout fishing.
Weather can play important rolls in effecting trout feeding habits and activity levels.
Trout are known as "cold water fish" as they need 70 degree water and below to live. This means water sources such as springs play an important roll to keeping adequate habitat for these trophy fish. Missouri sees two primary species of trout known as the Rainbow and Brown trout. Both species can not naturally reproduce successfully in local waterways, so they must be stocked by organizations like the Missouri Department of Conservation.
Mike Kruse is a retired fisheries research biologist for MDC and also spent time as a professor for fisheries management at the University of Missouri and explains that trout are not as dependent on temperature changes like other species of fish seen such as bass. "Usually the nice times of the year to be out for us are good times of the year to be out catching trout" Mike Kruse explains. Spring and fall are typically the most active for Missouri's primary species seen.
Local fisherman Nolan Moriearty also has seen similar success during his time fishing during these moderate temperature months and recalls that fall is his favorite time of the year to fish for brown trout.
Extreme cold like that seen recently across Mid-Missouri can cause less activity for trout, but late morning and early afternoon are typically the best target times for increased feeding activity as the fish will be more motivated to move around more.
Water flow cause by increased rainfall leading to the flooding of waterways can cause a change in fish patterns. Whenever flooding and heavy stream flow occurs, fish will look to sit into blocked areas of currents to sit and wait in slower flow to steer clear of potential flowing debris.
Prolonged drought and extreme heat can lead to poor conditions for trout at times leading to fish kills and harming local populations.
Thankfully, drought conditions have remained steady throughout much of December and January with cooler than average temperatures leading to a optimistic outlook getting closer to the early spring months.
To find out more about Mike Kruse's trout fishing guide service you can go to https://missouriflyfishingguide.com/
