Trout, Drought and Fish Lips

Texas is currently experiencing its worst drought since 1895 when Texas began keeping rainfall records. This drought has had far reaching effects on farming, ranching, hunting, and yes, fishing. The effects on fishing, however, have been a mixed bag of pluses and minuses.

Because freshwater deposits into the Texas bay systems have slowed to a trickle, salinity levels are through the roof. In fact, a recent study by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) found that bay salinity levels were nearly double that of the Gulf of Mexico, opposite the norm. Ironically, while bay system salinity levels are high, the Gulf of Mexico salinity levels are lower than normal. Researchers are attributing the low Gulf salinity to high fresh water outflows from the Mississippi river system. So, what does this mean for Texas coastal fisherman.

The Plus Side:

Many guides are reporting that fishing for speckled trout and redfish has been excellent. Shannon Tompkins reported in the Houston Chronicle that high salinity levels appear to be helping speckled trout pull off a good spawn and stating that fertilized trout eggs float better and have higher survival rates in moderately salty water. This is surely a good thing, because the drought followed one Texas’ longest and coldest winters. The cold weather had reporters questioning Speckled Trout survivability just eight months ago.

The Minus Side:

We have been hearing reports of Speckled Trout having an abnormality where their lips have been softened by the high salinity possibly causing sores or sensitivity, and making it hard for a set hook to not tear right through the lip.

We’re leaving the comment boxes open on this post, as we would love to hear more thoughts, insight and opinions on this topic!