ESCANABA — The effects of a late winter have reached beyond the melting snows, contributing to a sluggish start to trout season in the area.

Still, Escanaba River Association President Larry Wanic is hopeful for a good season.

“Things can change quickly,” he said. “Within a week’s time, waters can recede, temperatures warm, then you get insect activity and the fish get active.”

Temperatures on the Escanaba River are still hovering in the 40s, and with snow melt runoff, water is still high and fish are scattering to take refuge from the current.

“They’re cold blooded, trout,” Wanic said. “As the water temperature gets into the 50s, near 60, they get much more active and their need for food increases.”

The season began in April on streams across the state.

The increased amount of water also causes river temperatures to rise slower.

The conditions haven’t just impacted the fish.