Today is July 5th. It’s considered mid-summer. The season will end roughly September 22nd when the equinox occurs. That means there are approximately 11 weeks of summer remaining. Yet, the full effects of summertime are just getting underway and temperatures are still rising. Here in the West high temperatures combined with serious drought conditions are closing reservoirs, forcing communities to implement lawn watering limits and is resulting in mandatory and voluntary fishing closures along various rivers. This is all pretty grim for the trout angler.Trout are, by nature, rather delicate creatures. Well, maybe delicate is not the proper word – maybe sensitive is better. They are idealist as far as preferred living conditions: They like cold, clean, oxygen-rich water to live a healthy, happy and stress-free life:
- Water temperature between 50 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit
- High oxygen levels above 7 mg/L
- Crystal clear water since they hunt entirely by sight
- Low silt and sediment levels that can choke gills and smother eggs
- Stable water acidity with levels between 6.5 and 8.0
- Deep pools and other structure for protection from birds, etc.
- River flow variety that provides ideal oxygenation and resting areas from strong currents and,
- Pea to walnut sized gravel beds to create safe spawning beds
And if that’s not persnickety enough, these “high maintenance” fish demand a high population of aquatic insects, terrestrial insects and smaller fish, (like minnows and leeches, for those apex trout) to satisfy their appetites. Might as well throw in a no-limit American Express Credit Card while you’re at it too. As I said, trout are rather needy as far as fish go.
In comparison, the carp is a resilient survivor. They aren’t a glam fish, aren’t picky and what they lack in visual beauty, they make up in pure power and strength. Carp can manage in water from near-freezing to high temperatures that reach the high 80s Fahrenheit and even over 90 for short periods. While they may prefer a DO of 5mg/L, they can tough-out short periods of very low oxygen levels of 2 to 3 mg/L. Murky water? No problem. Muddy substrates? No worries. Carp are the epitome of an adaptive fish. From gin clear to turbid waters, carp can survive and in fact, thrive.
Carp, unlike trout, possess highly flexible and broad diets which aids in their resiliency. In fact, carp eat just about anything; aquatic vegetation, aquatic and terrestrial insects, crayfish, minnows, even seeds and berries, unlike the picky trout. And while we should be doing everything we can to reverse and improve polluted waters like those from toxic agricultural runoff and brackish environments, carp can live in these adverse conditions.
So why am I going on about carp and their ever-enduring ability to live and thrive? It’s certainly not to undermine environmental and climate issues or suggest in any way that our effort to address and correct these issues should not continue. Rather, I praise the carp to suggest that maybe, during these hard times, these hot, dry, rough summers, we can give trout a break. Let these sensitive fish, just be.
Carp can take it. They are robust fighters. Setting on, playing and landing a carp – even a very small carp- on a fly or tenkara rod, is one of the most exciting things you can do if you aren’t near an ocean doing saltwater tenkara/fly fishing. Carp are plentiful. The fish can be found just about everywhere. They take all kinds of fly patterns and will test your skills in casting accuracy, presentation and fish management. On a fly rod carp are incredible. On a tenkara rod, a carp will blow your mind and fill your heart and soul. You might even begin to view them as quite lovely. In time, you will definitely respect them and recognize them as admirable and worthy opponents.
So, the next time you think about trout fishing, check the air temperature. Look up the water temperature where you plan to fish (or bring a thermometer). If its above 65 degrees Fahrenheit, reconsider your fishing plans. At 68 degrees, go find some carp to cast to and have a happy day fishing while caring for our more delicate and fragile friend, the trout.