Something to consider...

[boisker]

The last two seasons there have been periods of such low water and corresponding increase in water temp I purchased a thermometer ready for the start of this season (I was also interested in seeing where fish were holding related to temps as the season progressed), so that I could avoid stressing them.
I haven’t fished the last couple of weeks due to other commitments, but managed to get out this morning. As the levels are currently so low and the day time temps so high I got to the river for 7am.
The air temp was cooler than it has been most recent mornings and was a cooling 15C (59F).

There’s lots of research about stress levels on BT, and the common consensus is above 75-77 F (24-25C) for any sustained period can prove lethal, and at 68-70 F (20-21 C) they can start to get stressed. I’ve seen other research that quotes 70F.

So I was slightly dismayed that the Axe was already at 68F at 7 am this morning..... that’s 20C, so a full 5C warmer than the air temp.

I did fish for an hour, but half heartedly and just cast to a couple of rising fish... that were sat in a deeper pool under the shade. By the time I got to the car I regretted even making the few casts I did, and driving home at 8.30am the air temp had risen 18C.

I may head to one of my favourite otter beats early eve this week, but leave the rod behind and take temps right up through the beat and get a better feel for how the temp varies with speed of water, depth, shade etc.

I haven’t posted this to harass people into stopping fishing, that’s a personal choice, but more to raise it as an issue... I was genuinely shocked the water temp was so much above the air temp this morning.

[terry]

That’s interesting if not alarming findings Boisker. I haven’t been out over the last two or three weeks as I’m in agreement with you with regard to stressing fish.
To take my mind of ( I’m afraid my rain dances are proofing unsuccessful) I’m due to pick up my bat detector box today, at least they seem to endure the weather.
Give us the green light when the temps. become a bit more acceptable.
Terry
P.s.I hope we are friends again.

[yeoman]

Not a problem, just forget the rivers for a while and have some fun on the coast with Bass, Mackerel and Mullet.
As a bonus, you might catch something worth eating😁
Good tides later this week...👍

[boisker]

Hey Terry... I didn’t realise we’d fallen out

Looks like the forecast this week could help water temp... periods of overcast, slight drop in air temp and some light rain (although looking at tomorrow’s forecast there could be some heavier downpours).... so with a bit of luck the water temps will drop back a bit to mid-65F.

I probably won’t get chance to get out this week, but may get chance to have a poke around Sunday...
Cheers