July 2025 Newsletter

Central MA Chapter of Trout Unlimited – July Newsletter

The next CMTU meeting will be October 6, 2025

This month we are sharing some content regarding high water temperatures from our friends in the Deerfield River Chapter. We thank them for sharing with us.

Hi All,

With this week’s heat wave in full effect, we wanted to reach out with a friendly reminder about protecting trout during the summer’s hot weather. In recent summers, water temps on the upper Deerfield have reached as high as 74°F.

Higher Water Temperatures = Lower Dissolved Oxygen.

Trout—being cold water species with high oxygen demands—rely on well-oxygenated habitats and cool water temperatures to thrive. During periods of warming water, trout will move into areas with increased dissolved oxygen and cooler water.

As waters warm, the trout’s metabolic needs increase which results in increased feeding activity. However, the added stress of being hooked, fought, and handled can be enough stress to push them past the point of recovery.

Some useful guidelines:

Bring a stream thermometer when you fish.
1. On hot days, consider targeting warm water species, exploring cooler high-elevation streams, or tying up a few new patterns at the bench.
2. Consider giving the trout a break when your thermometer reads 68°.
3. By minding the temperatures during a heatwave, together we can protect this resource that we all enjoy so much.

If you have any questions or would like source material for the information shared in this email, please reach out!

Sincerely,

The Deerfield River Watershed TU