When the morning water temperature at the Mio Dam is 70 degrees or more I will not fish for trout on that stretch of the Au Sable River – Mio to Alcona Pond. If I choose to fish that day it will be other streams with cooler water, further downstream for warm water fish such as smallmouth bass, or on the many lakes in the area. If I catch a trout I will let it go immediately. When the water temperatures fall below 70 degrees at Mio Dam, I may consider fishing the stretch again but will do it early in the morning, at twilight and at night. I will use a fishing thermometer to fish runs with cooler water so the trout have a better chance of surviving catch and release.

I recognize this is a necessary practice during the hottest part of the summer – late June through mid-August and I am helping the fishery when I do it.

For more information, visit http://www.70degreepledge.org.

We know invasive species are spreading. Keep them controlled as much as possible by cleaning your gear – boats, waders and more. Learn more at  http://www.cleanangling.org.