September is here, let the transition begin

SweatFest isn't over, but now we're counting the days.  For example, here in Alexandria the average temperatures for September 1st are 92 high, 72 low. By the last day of this month the averages are 84 high, 62 low. But that's just half the story, because average humidity in September is lower as well. The combination of lower air temps and lower humidity and shorter days/longer nights means greater radiative cooling of waters.

Consider that the amount of daylight and angle of the sun today is equivalent to that of April 9th. As for radiative cooling... last year on this day the water temp here on Cotile Lake  was 90 degrees. A week later - with no cool front - it was 86 degrees. By the end of the month it was 78 degrees.

Why is this important? When water temps get below 80 degrees, fish go into their fall feeding frenzy. Bass school, redears congregate, spotted bass turn on, speckled trout move inside, crappie move to the shallows. 

So make plans now, tie those flies, get your casting tuned-up.  Great Fall fishing is about to happen!