Turnover?

[53orbigger]

Looking for some insight from those of you who get to spend more time on the lake in the fall than I do. In an average year about what time can I expect the turnover and does it have any pronounced effect on the fishing? As always any and all information is appreciated.

Thanks

53orbigger

[Cliff Wagenbach]

Turnover does not occur until the water gets down into the low 50's. The present water temps are still around 67 degrees.

The turnover usually does not happen until at least mid to late Sept.

Cliff

[BEEGONE]

Alright whats this turnover business? I have never heard of it before.

[taw]

Turnover is a term for the natural process a lake goes through when cooler surface temperatures (making the water more dense then layers beneigth the surface)flip with warmer layers at the lake bottom. The lake is typically oxygenated throughout the stratum and typically manifests itself with lots of leaf debris, algae, and clutter which shows up on sonar. Cliff is correct that this happens at about 57-59 degrees. Usually the bite stops for a week or so until the lake comes back to equilibrium, then the fish can be found just about anywhere in the lake, shallow, sometimes very deep or on flats. Find the food and the fish will be close behind.

[53orbigger]

Thanks guys I appreciate the information.

53orbigger

[BEEGONE]

Ah copy that.

[LaZyDayZ]

What are present water temps?

[53orbigger]

I would also appreciate any updates on the water temperatures as well.

Thanks

53orbigger

[shamrock7]

had 59 this morning out in front of Greenwood Bay

[53orbigger]

Thanks! I am trying to plan a fall trip to winterize the cabin and would like to get a bit of fishing in as well.

53orbigger

[Cliff Wagenbach]

55.5 degrees in Pike Bay this morning!

58 degrees in Big Bay this morning!

The water warmed up into the low 60's by this afternoon in Big Bay.

Cliff

[blue_healer_guy]

Cliff, you'd probably be the one to answer this question with all your experience on the lake. Will turnover effect shallow fish (10-15) ft. Was at v last weekend and did well in that water column. Coming up in a week, just wondering how it affects shallow fish. Thanks, Joe

[blue_healer_guy]

Also, whats the best approach for walleyes during turnover.

[53orbigger]

Thanks for the updates.

53orbigger

[Cliff Wagenbach]

When the lake first turns over the fish at all depths are affected. The reason being that the entire water collumn is now the same temp. and has the same oxygen levels. This allows the baitfish and thus the fish to go where ever they want in comfort.

That usually only lasts around a week or less then the baitfish and walleyes move into the deeper holes which are warmer and have more oxygen.

I prefer a jig/minnow approach once the walleyes move into the deep holes. If it is to windy to use a jig I go to a short Lindy Rig and minnow with as much weight needed to stay on the bottom, (up to 1-1/2 oz. at times.)

Cliff

[IslandHopper]

Coming up today, and wondering if I need to worry about turnover yet?

[DougSpringBay]

No

[CJ]

With the big V being so big does it all turn over at once or does one end go before the other. What about Trout with that being deeper and clearer does it turn over before the big V or after.

CJ

[Cliff Wagenbach]

Many areas on Vermilion never have a turnover because those areas do not ever get a thermocline.

Most of the deep holes will usually all turn-over at about the same time.

Cliff

[PeteA34]

It will not affect the fishing, it never does....and if you believe it does, then try a different depth. I have caught fish consistently thru turnover.

[53orbigger]

Does anyone care to share an updated water temperature?

Thanks

53orbigger

[Cliff Wagenbach]

57 to 58 degrees in Big Bay yesterday.

Cliff

[53orbigger]

Thanks Cliff! I appreciate it.

53orbigger

[Aces In The Hole]

Any word on the turnover yet? We'll be up there in 2 weeks and we are worried we are going to be there during the turnover. Any help would be great.

[Cliff Wagenbach]

I do not believe that the lake has turned over yet. 58 degrees on the surface yet this morning.

I did get a few walleyes at 40 feet this morning.

The turnover should be done by the time you arrive.

Cliff

[53orbigger]

Does anyone have an updated water temperature or turnover status?

Thanks as always.

53orbigger

[shamrock7]

Beegone was out yesterday afternoon and saw 60 degrees at 19' and surface temps at 57 degrees at the same spot so it is still right side up. Shouldn't be long now.

[53orbigger]

Thanks I appreciate the update!

53orbigger

[53orbigger]

Does anyone care to share an updated lake temperature or turnover status? I assume that with the colder day and night temperatures that it is close. Also does anyone have any insight into the musky bite or lack thereof.

Thanks.

53orbigger

[Cliff Wagenbach]

Yesterday the water temps were 57.8 degrees.

We had 35 degree air temps this morning with daytime highs predicted to be in the mid 40's all week.

I expect the turnover to happen this week.

Cliff