By Rory Aikens
At Lake Powell, the best spring fishing is expected to occur in the next 10 days.
The National Weather Service said we are in a "roller coaster ride" of temperatures this week and likely next week as well.
As the barometer drops while low pressure is moving into the state, the fish will feed more aggressively. Sometimes during these weather events or disturbances, if there is increased wind and wave activity it will cause crayfish, insects and the like to be stirred up, causing some sport fish (especially smallmouth bass, walleye and striped bass) to feed aggressively.
However, once a storm passes and the barometer rises, we typically experience those wonderful "bluebird" like conditions that are great for photographers and tough on anglers. Sometimes it will seem like the fish have lockjaw.
The better fishing typically will be two days after a storm or weather event passes.
For the high country, the cooling trends can prompt the trout to feed aggressively. Trout are not quite as susceptible to the blue-bird syndrome after a storm, but nor are they immune to it. In large part because they are more insectivorous.
When a low pressure system is coming, insects fly lower to the ground and water, which can cause a trout feeding frenzy.
During the height of storms, trout might just head deep if insects aren't being washed into the water by rain drops or blown into the water by wind. However, if there is a little moisture associated with a front, insects can get very active the following day.
So watch the barometer. Sometimes, increased insect and bird activity is a sign a low pressure system is coming our way and you need to get out the fishing pole, fly rod or what have you.
By the way, I heard from Lake Havasu that some anglers are loading up on huge redear (thanks for the report Dee). Two anglers caught 27 redear totaling 41 pounds. If you were wondering, redear provide excellent table fare. Try night crawlers or meal worms. You can also load up on redear, bluegill and smallmouth bass in the Topock Gorge (thank you Georgia).
Also have several reports of anglers catching nice bluegills at Saguaro and Canyon lakes. Once again, think night crawlers and meal worms. Great fishing for youngsters, or those of us who want to feel young.
Just a side note, we had a terffic trip with Cinda Howard from the Scottsdale Orvis Shop this week on an "Arizona Wildlife Views" TV segment (should air on PBS next year) about "How To Read A Stream." As soon as the show is put together (probably early summer), we will share it with you via our website and YouTube.
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