WEATHER
Mountain weather affects both fish and fishers.

Ice-out is a great time to be on the water, since those fish have growling stomachs. Even the largest fish in the lake are searching for food in shallow water. As the season progresses and the water warms, morning and evening are the best times to fish. Midday generally means the fish go into deeper water. Several days of uninterrupted hot weather followed by a cold spell will usually mean slow fishing, but that merely gives you more time to revel in the scenery, watch for wildlife or maybe climb a peak or two. The cooler weather of fall is prime time again as the trout often binge-feed as if sensing the need to bulk up for winter.

Mountain weather can change quickly, and the most beautiful day can turn nasty. Always carry raingear and extra clothing. Lightning in the mountains means just one thing: Stop waving that long electricity conductor and get off the water!

Wind can dictate where you fish. It's easier to cast when it blows from behind you. On the other hand, strong wind may drive food toward shore, which means you'll be casting into the wind.

Here is your homework assignment: Make notes after each fishing trip. Keep track of where you went, what time of year, type and age-classes of fish, the weather and snowpack conditions. In a few seasons, you will develop data that will help you predict when and where to fish under any given set of conditions. Besides, your notes make great wintertime reading when the lakes are frozen over.