Too Hot to Handle


Sizzling summer weather means hot water temps—a major fish stressor regardless of species–making proper fish handling even more crucial from hook to release. So let’s revisit those best fish handling practices: If possible, keep fish in the water, and in a net. If you must cradle the fish, wet your hands first to protect their slime coat. Release in calm water, facing upstream, and support until the fish swims  under its own power. Each careful release is an investment in future fisheries, helping to preserve angling thrills for generations to come.

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IN THE RIFFLES

The Kinnickinnic runs through River Falls, with quaint shops by day, and booming honkey-tonks by night. The lights and music occasionally foul-hook an angler, and the three of us found ourselves pressed against the brass rail of the appropriately named Deep End Saloon.


"Which part of the river you boys fishing?" the bartender asked. Or rather, shouted.


Bob told him.


"The best fishing is at night. There's some ungodly big brown trout down there. But it's too dangerous in the dark."


"Then how do you fish it?" Bob asked.


"You can't," he said. "Why do you think they’re so big?"


I looked at Bob. You could see the wheels turning...


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