Lake Temperature. Do you measure and how?

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: Lake Temperature. Do you measure and how?

I just started fishing at Lake Sonoma in NoCal. I got skunked. People there said wait until Spring, but why? Fish have to eat, North California does not get that cold and people ice fish in the mid west.

Light or temperature, that is the different between summer and winter. We have already talked about "lake turn over", but we have not talked on what happens to the fish. I am aware of thermoclines and use to measure them.

Who has used temperature to determine fish ability and what piece of equipment have you used?

I'm in SE VA and fish for Crappie year around. Just got to slow down this time of the year and use your DF to find structure.

 

[ebry710]

Re: Lake Temperature. Do you measure and how?

I'm in SE VA and fish for Crappie year around. Just got to slow down this time of the year and use your DF to find structure.

So are you saying:

The fish are around the structures, so if you find structures you may have better luck.

or

Fishing is slow this time of year, so spend my time finding structures for next year.

 

[rolmops]

Re: Lake Temperature. Do you measure and how?

How does a fish finder find a thermocline. Does it pick up the barrier or does it just register the fish not dropping below the line?

As the water temperature changes,its density also changes.A good fish finder will pick up on the density change and show it on the screen as a grey line.Its capability to show fish above and under the thermocline is in no way impaired.
The thermocline is dependent on many other factors and it will be at different depths because of currents,wind and structure,not to mention inlets and outlets.

 

[gonefishie]

Re: Lake Temperature. Do you measure and how?

How does a fish finder find a thermocline. Does it pick up the barrier or does it just register the fish not dropping below the line?

Here ya go! Keep in mind, cheapo low resolution unit won't show this stuff.

http://www.lei-extras.com/tips/sonartut/thermoclines.asp

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: Lake Temperature. Do you measure and how?

So are you saying:

The fish are around the structures, so if you find structures you may have better luck.

or

Fishing is slow this time of year, so spend my time finding structures for next year.

By all means. Find the structure, note how high up it comes, then set your bait for abour 1 ft above that. The bite may be very subtle so you have to watch very closely. This works very well even on the hottest summer days, just find structure in deeper waters. Crappie will be on or near structure until they go into pre-spawn areas this spring.

 

[ebry710]

Re: Lake Temperature. Do you measure and how?

Here ya go! Keep in mind, cheapo low resolution unit won't show this stuff.

http://www.lei-extras.com/tips/sonartut/thermoclines.asp

That is awesome. The technology has advance a lot since the spinning red dot (my last fish finder).

Thanks. I want one.

 

[ebry710]

Re: Lake Temperature. Do you measure and how?

By all means. Find the structure, note how high up it comes, then set your bait for abour 1 ft above that. The bite may be very subtle so you have to watch very closely. This works very well even on the hottest summer days, just find structure in deeper waters. Crappie will be on or near structure until they go into pre-spawn areas this spring.

It's all coming together. Depth finders have progressed to the point of determining thermoclines, finding structures and even interpreting whether a signal as either a fish or a branch (and showing it).

Now just figuring the best way to use all that technology. This is a good start.

 

[ebry710]

Re: Lake Temperature. Do you measure and how?

Now that you all know what I was looking for. What is a good unit? I've read enough to know that color screen is unnecessary at this time. The sensitivity needs to be enough to detect thermoclines. Older model preferred.

 

[rolmops]

Re: Lake Temperature. Do you measure and how?

"A good unit" is dependent on your wallet.
My finder is a Humminbird 575 triple beam(20,65 and 90 degree angles) with side imaging.This is really nice for deep structure.You can stay to the side and yet know where it is. It is all I choose to need.Many others will tell you that color screens are better.
The truth is that there is not a whole lot of difference between the brands,it is mostly personal preference.
If you are willing to spend $200 to $300 you should be able to get very good 16 shade black and white.Good color units are in the $400 to $1000 range.