Thornapple was 85.8 degrees at 8 pm on Wednesday evening. Tuesday night it was 82.5 at 8:30 when I went out to try and help some guys trolling for walleyes release a musky. The warm water did not help, but I think the gaff and the ripped gills is what really killed that fish. Monday afternoon it was 79 to 81 when we where out tubing and swimming with the kids.
I don't think the "cool" front that is moving through here tomorrow will do much to cool down the water.
I checked two non-muskie lakes the past three days, they were similar in size to SW muskie lakes (200-500 acres with decent depths). Anyway, 83-86 at the surface, seems time to give our fish a break on most waters (in my opinion), but maybe 80s for highs and some rains will help get waters down to 80 at the surface the next few days. I wonder if night fishing, even in higher water temps, is easier on the fish with at least the hot sun gone and not the max water temps of the day.
"pikerule2" said:
I wonder if night fishing, even in higher water temps, is easier on the fish with at least the hot sun gone and not the max water temps of the day.
The main problem with hot water is that is can't dissolve oxygen as well as cool water. It would seem to make sense that fishing at night with cooler water would be a good idea. However, unless it is very windy, the only way oxygen is getting into the water is from photosynthesis and at night photosynthesis can't happen. So even though the oxygen carrying capacity of the water may be higher the oxygen is being used and not replaced under cover of darkness.
Add to this that as the water warms the need for oxygen by all the animals in the water from bacteria to muskies increases substantially and you have the potential for problems.
"Will Schultz" said:
[quote="pikerule2"]I wonder if night fishing, even in higher water temps, is easier on the fish with at least the hot sun gone and not the max water temps of the day.
The main problem with hot water is that is can't dissolve oxygen as well as cool water. It would seem to make sense that fishing at night with cooler water would be a good idea. However, unless it is very windy, the only way oxygen is getting into the water is from photosynthesis and at night photosynthesis can't happen. So even though the oxygen carrying capacity of the water may be higher the oxygen is being used and not replaced under cover of darkness.
Add to this that as the water warms the need for oxygen by all the animals in the water from bacteria to muskies increases substantially and you have the potential for problems.
And to add to this the night time temperatures haven't been very low and have been around 74-75 degrees. The photosynthesis that takes place during daylight hours not only ceases during dark hours but also both plants and animals are using up the dissolved oxygen through respiration. A double whammy, if you will.
Thats no good at all. I took tomorrow off work to hopefully fish Thorn for the first time. Do you think the rain (if we get any) will help much? I assume Austin is way too warm. I need to find somewhere to fish if possible I really dont want to waste this vacation day sitting at home.
We got just over 1 inch of rain today and the water temps are still 84.1 degrees. We need alot of wind and some cooler nights to bring the temps back down.
Chris, how big was that fish and what kind of conversation did you have with these guys?
Steve, see the members only section.
Even with the 84 degree water temps this evening, there are least two musky boats out fishing right now.
Water temps on St. Clair are varied. Much cooler on the west end and northwest corner. The Area in front of the Thames is lethal at 87 degrees when we left on thursday. Couldnt fish there due to that hot water. Temps dropped as we moved west. 80- off the Belle and Ruscom where we hit that last fish on Thursday. Te3mps near Grosse Isle Yaht club about 76. I Imagine much cooler near the Channel coming out of the St. Clair river. Mike and Michelle
We all wish for cooler water temps, but it doesn't look like it's going to happen anytime soon.
In the meantime, enjoy the other plentiful species we have. I've been having a good time catching bass the last couple of weeks. Is it the same thrill as catching a muskie? NO. But it's a lot less work. Plus I've kept some to eat, and they are good!
Charlie
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