STEADY INCREASE IN AIR TEMPERATURES, RIVER FLOW AND LOWER RIVER TEMPS LEAD TO MIXED-BAG RESULTS FOR TROUT FISHING
With air temperatures hovering in the low to mid-40s lately, rainy conditions, along with hefty snow melt has led to a steady increase in the flow of the upper Kenai River late this month (March ‘19). Increased snow melt and rain not only has increased the flows of the Kenai River, it has also caused a relatively stagnant, to lowering effect on water temperatures.
Head Guide Dave has been out almost every day testing the waters on the upper Kenai in Cooper Landing, AK.
What does this mean for trout fishing? It means that the fish have been relatively sluggish the past couple of days with mixed reports of success for local fly anglers. Look for an increase in feeding activity and willingness to move for food as the trout adjust to current water temperatures. Also, as the water temperatures increase, and the flows normalize, the trout to become more active.
CURRENT CONDITIONS ON THE UPPER KENAI RIVER AT COOPER LANDING, AK
More flow means more soft water for fish to begin to move into feeding and eventual spawning locations. As the water temperature begins to recover from the snow melt spike, look for an increased success rate for trout anglers.
Lower trends in water temperature keeps Rainbow Trout relatively sluggish as they adjust to increased flows making for tougher fishing conditions.