J. Lowe's Guide Service

It is hot, but that is normal for July and no reason not to fish! Fishing can be great this time of year, you just need to stay hydrated and watch out for those summer storms.

As far as trout fishing goes, once the water really starts warming up, they have the tendency to move to deeper water. However, you can still catch them in the 4-6’ depth especially early in the morning or if the bar is near deeper water. If you are going to fish water deeper than 6’, I would recommend getting rid of the popping cork.

I would also not get too caught up on where the fish ‘should be’…..I have found that we can have the best ideas about where the fish should be based on history, but the bottom line is that you just have to get out there and work through some spots to locate them.

Look for bait pods, moving water, clean water, etc. These are clues to finding fish. Oddly enough, I look for cormorants. When I see these birds working an area, I will sometimes stop regardless if I have ever fished there or not. Those birds are there because there is bait there. If there is bait there, then there should be some predator fish there.

Redfish are around the islands and bars. You just have to keep moving to find them. The spot where you caught them yesterday may work today too but don’t get hung up on it. Be ready to move if you are not getting bit.

Bass fishing is also great this time of year. Lots of topwater action, especially on Orange Lake. I ran a trip there recently and the buzz bait and Zara Spook were doing the trick. I love watching bass blow up on topwater.

Good luck out there!