Fishing During the Dog Days of Summer, NY DEC 8/5/22

The dog days of summer are officially upon us- where it can be easier to catch rays than it can be to catch fish. Check out the tips below that might help ensure your next trip out on the water is a successful one!

1. Fish early or late in the day. Fish are usually more active under these low light conditions plus there is also, typically, less recreational activity. Recreational activity tends to increase after 11:00 AM.
2. Slow down. Though reaction lures still work, with the warm water temperatures and an abundance of forage sometimes showing the fish an “easy meal” can elicit more strikes. This is especially true if fishing during the midday period. Lure choices would be things like a wacky rig, drop-shot or Texas rigged worm. This is also a good time to try live bait.
3. Watch the weather. A span of days with consistent weather is common for this period. Going on an “off” day that’s rainy, overcast, or cooler can be good. There also tends to be less boat traffic on these days.
4. Deep water. Though there are still plenty of fish in shallow waters, fishing outside the weed edges can be good during this period. Deep water is relative to the water you’re fishing with 10, 15, 20, or 30+ feet being considered deep. If the weed edge is at 10 feet, fishing 15 feet would be a good starting point. This is a cover water activity looking for active fish so try a drop shot rig or crankbait.