SP, I can not give you a scientific answer, but can say that I have come across similar situations with my trout. They seem very sensitive in regards to keeping their out-of-the-water look. I will catch one, and no sooner am I heading to the house to clean it, the color is fading. I have also noticed that if I set it on the ground to take a photo, where ever the back side was touching the ground it is mottled and changed in color and never changes back.
Hope the others you have make it thru. We are in the same weather pattern as you, with no rain while everyone else seems to be drowning.
