Danica days and tropical nights in Fishspot country
The big mayflies are on the water, spinner falls are coming or already here, and fish are more often found in fast, oxygen-rich water. Caddis pupae are abundant and night time is prime time.
Southern Norway is in the middle of a proper heat wave. The forecast promises temperatures above 30 degrees and tropical nights in the inland valleys through the coming week. For anglers, that means two things: some of the season's most exciting insect activity, and a real responsibility for every fish we handle.
Last week, Ephemera danica — the biggest mayfly of them all — hatched in several rivers across the region.
"We had danica coming off on several rivers last week," says Eirik Sætren, river keeper at Kvennan Fly Fishing and warden on several Fishspot beats in the Glomma valley. "With this heat, the spinner falls will follow. That is when you want to be on the water. The evening shift is the one to plan for now."
Rena: swimming pupae on their way, fish on the surface
The Rena river is fishing well. The famous swimming pupae — the caddis stage every Rena angler waits for — have only just begun to show, but there is plenty more on the menu. Regulars @jofrho and @truttoman report a mix of caddis, mayflies and terrestrials putting fish on the surface on the fly fishing zone day after day.
Danica has been spotted on the Rena too. But timing the big mayfly on a tailwater like the Rena is nearly impossible, and the number of flies coming off is usually a little disappointing. Still, some regulars say the big insects are growing in numbers. We hope they are right.
The water temperature is holding up as well. John Bond at Rena Fishcamp measured 16.6 degrees at the start of the week — warm for the Rena, but still well within the comfort zone for trout and grayling.
In other words, the main course is still ahead of us. When the swimming pupae get going for real, the Rena delivers some of the most intense dry fly fishing in the country.
One more thing about elbow room: Norway's World Cup adventure ended in the quarter-final against England on Saturday. We suspect a few more anglers will find their way back to the river in the weeks ahead. For now, there is space on the banks. ;-)
Big fish in Brya, beautiful trout in Grimsa
Further north in the Glomma valley, low water has not put the big fish down, and water temperatures in the Glomma have stayed friendlier than the heat-wave headlines might suggest.
"There are some seriously big fish showing in Brya right now, even on this low water," says Sætren. "Getting them to take is another matter entirely. But that is the fun of it, isn't it?"
In the Grimsa fly fishing zone in Folldal, the trout are in remarkable shape this season.
"The Grimsa trout are just incredibly beautiful right now. Deep, golden fish that fight well above their weight," he adds.
And in Engerdal, the lakes and rivers are delivering the goods, with steady catch reports coming in throughout the week.
Fish the fast water — or fish at night
When water temperatures climb, trout and grayling do what they always do: they move into faster, oxygen-rich current.
"The fish seek out the necks, the riffles and the streamy water in this kind of weather," Sætren advises. "Fish where the water is moving. And think about your timing — night fishing is picking up everywhere now, and the hours around dusk and dawn are both more comfortable for you and safer for the fish."
The mountain areas are the other answer to the heat. Sylan and the other high wilderness areas are at their most inviting right now — cooler nights, fewer mosquitoes than in a wet year, and endless light. Just be honest about your expectations: in the middle of the worst heat spell, the fishing itself can be slow even up high. Go for the whole experience, and treat a good fish as a bonus.
Take care of the fish in the heat
High water temperatures are a serious challenge for catch and release. Warm water holds less oxygen, and a long fight can be fatal for a fish that swims away looking fine.
The river managers are watching this closely. At the weekend, Åmot Elvelag — which oversees the Rena — sent out a warm-water advisory to anglers: do not play fish hard, and handle them quickly on release so they have the strength to recover.
When you release your catch, please follow these simple rules:
· Land the fish as quickly as possible, and get it in the net fast.
· Keep the fish in the water. Take your photo while it rests in the net, in the river. Do not lift it out.
· Fish barbless hooks. They make release quicker and gentler.
· Wet your hands thoroughly before touching the fish.
· If the water is very warm where you are, consider fishing the coolest hours — or giving the fish a rest altogether.
Have a good one, and don't lose your cool. We'll see you out there, preferably sometime after sunset.
