Hot weather on the pond.

[Bob Parker]

Went out to my favorite private pond this morning, at about 9:00.  This is a two acre dammed pond.  It is only about 10 feet deepest.  lots of weeds, lots of cattail where the largemouth seem to live.  I have caught some 3-lb largemouths, some 2-3 lb catfish, and hundreds of bluegills, from 7'' to 3".  There are too many little bluegills - we have been feeding them to the 4 cats who live there.  We've had about 8 days of very hot - 90 to 100 degrees.  But there is always a good breeze, and I want to fish, so I can stand it for a few hours.

I am a fly fisherman.

Today I started out with a generic dry floater.  20 casts around the half of the lake to windward, no strikes.  Changed rods and put out a sinking nymph with gold bead head.  Caught one 7 incher.

Went to a larger cricket fly, with a small sinker.  Nothing.  Got too hot and too tired, and went home to the computerat 11:00.

What should I have done under these conditions?  What would you do?

Please don't suggest getting there earlier.  There's a reason why I can't.

Bob

[Jim Gronaw]

Hey Bob...a late evening hatch may be a thought because there is lots of insect activity about an hour before sundown at some of my local ponds.

For me, personally, I would seek water where the chance of bigger fish exists. If the top end gills are 7 inches, I would likely look for a pond(s) that could get me some 9 inch class fish.