Why Nasty Spring Weather Is Good for Hunters and Anglers
You wouldn’t know from the weather, but summer has officially hit the Pacific Northwest. The past few months have been unseasonably cool, with lots and LOTS of rain. While this weather may be preventing you from airing out your camping gear, hiking or otherwise recreating outdoors, a cool and wet spring will actually turn out well for hunters and anglers later in the year. Here’s why:
More water = more fish
Many of the lakes and reservoirs in the Pacific Northwest run dry in late summer, especially in desert-climate locations such as Eastern Oregon. With late spring rain – and lots of it – it’s less likely that these lakes and reservoirs will dry up. The longer there is water in the lakes and reservoirs, the longer trout and steelhead can survive, meaning Northwest anglers will have more chances to exercise their fishing equipment. Late spring rain is also good for local fisheries.
More water = more vegetation = more game
FACT: Late spring rains and a relatively warm summer encourage plant growth. What does that mean to you, the avid Pacific Northwest hunter? Why, more late-season game, of course! While the spring bear and turkey hunting seasons were adversely affected by the weather, the elk and deer seasons are looking good. And despite some flood-related losses in Northeastern Oregon, the duck population responded very well to the wet past few months.
More water = fewer forest fires
Unseasonably wet weather is Mother Nature’s ultimate defense against summer wildfires. While there is no definite way to say how the rain will affect forest fires in the area, it’s a safe assumption that the added moisture will do more good than harm.
[photo: .faramarz]
July 13th, 2010 at 9:57 pm
Nice article. Thanks for sharing it!
Daniel