Littoral Zone #13 | The Effects of Environmental Cycles on Fish Behavior with Jason Randal and Phil Rowley

Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/691

Presented by: Jackson Hole Fly Company, Yellowstone Teton Territory, Pescador on the Fly

Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors

In this episode, Phil is joined by Jason Randall, a renowned author and fly fishing expert, to explore the fascinating effects of environmental cycles on fish behavior.

Have you ever wondered how changing weather conditions or the lunar cycle impact trout behavior and feeding patterns? This episode promises to unravel these mysteries, offering vital insights that could transform your on-the-water success. With Jason's extensive research and Phil's practical experience, listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how to adapt their fishing strategies in response to environmental changes.

Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to the sport, this discussion is packed with valuable information and tips. Dive in to learn how to adjust your fly presentations and enhance your fishing experience, no matter what nature throws your way.

Episode Chapters with Jason Randall and Phil Rowley on Fish Behavior

10:30 - Phil and Jason discuss the impact of weather changes, specifically barometric pressure, on trout behavior in Stillwater environments. Phil notes how changes in pressure, temperature, and light seem to influence trout, comparing it to the effect of shaking a snow globe. Jason argues that trout are not significantly affected by barometric pressure changes as humans are.

17:29 - Phil and Jason discuss the behavior of lake trout and other fish when brought up from deep waters. They explain how fish like trout have an air sac used for buoyancy control, similar to a scuba vest, allowing them to maintain neutral buoyancy. This differs from pressure-sensitive eardrums in humans. Some fish, like rockfish, suffer from barotrauma when rapidly brought to the surface, leading to their air sac protruding from their mouth. Phil mentions technology that helps fish equalize pressure when released back into the water.

25:38 - Jason discusses how weather changes, particularly impending weather fronts, can be perceived through various natural cues beyond just barometric pressure. He describes how high-level clouds like cirrus clouds can indicate approaching weather changes, and changes in wind direction often mark the passage of a front. He notes that while temperature changes occur with cold fronts, the solar energy has a more significant impact on water temperatures.

28:59 - Jason highlights the role of electrical activity, such as static electricity, observed during severe weather, and theorizes about the effects of ionization on mood and behavior. He explains that negative ions generally improve mood, while positive ions, often from pollutants, can lead to depression. He further speculates on the interaction between ionization and bioelectric fields in organisms, suggesting that fish might use these cues as an early warning system for weather changes. J

33:53 - Phil and Jason explore the idea that certain fishing techniques, such as wrapping wire around hooks, might create bioelectric fields that affect fish behavior. Jason references research indicating that dissimilar metals on lures, like lead or tungsten, can generate a bioelectric field that potentially repels fish.

37:02 - They discuss strategies for fishing when trout behavior changes due to weather conditions. Phil explains that during such times, trout often retreat to deeper areas and become less active, making it more challenging to catch them. He suggests slowing down tactics, using indicators, and triggering bites rather than relying solely on feeding responses.

Jason agrees and adds that trout, like humans after a big meal, may enter a state of inactivity where they are not active in fast-moving waters. Instead, they seek safe, low-threat areas to rest. To catch trout in this condition, anglers may need to present lures enticingly to coax a response, similar to how someone might grab an easy snack when resting.

43:49 - Jason discusses the concept of homeostasis, which refers to the natural balance that organisms and ecosystems strive to maintain. He further explains that homeostasis is essential from the cellular level to complex organisms and habitats. They also touch upon how environmental stressors, like weather changes and lunar phases, can disrupt this balance, prompting organisms to react in ways that restore homeostasis.

49:44 - Phil delves into the effects of lunar phases on fish behavior and feeding patterns. Phil outlines the various lunar phases. He explains how the moon's gravitational force, which is 2.2 times greater than the sun's at the Earth's surface, influences tides and consequently affects fish and their food sources. This gravitational pull leads to tidal activities that are crucial for both saltwater anglers and the ecosystems they navigate.

55:52 - Jason explains the difference between spring tides, associated with the new and full moons, and neap tides, associated with the first and third quarter moons.

1:02:47 - They get into the role of the pineal gland in trout behavior, as highlighted in Jason's book "Trout Sense." They explore how the pineal gland, often referred to as the trout's "third eye," detects changes in light and affects trout behavior, including predator detection and circadian rhythms. The gland's influence on melatonin secretion is also discussed, impacting trout's rest and activity cycles, particularly during different moon phases.

1:08:14 - They discuss fishing strategies during full moon periods. Phil mentions that many anglers avoid planning vacations around the full moon due to the increased visibility it provides, likening it to someone leaving the lights on. Jason prefers fishing three to four days after a full or new moon, experiencing optimal conditions up to 10-14 days later.

1:13:33 - To summarize, Phil and Jason agree that adapting to environmental changes is crucial, suggesting strategies like slowing down and fishing deeper in lakes to effectively respond to natural phenomena.

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/691