A chill in the air and in the lakes

Here comes the cold. Wow. After a very hot summer and high water temps and stagnant fishing patterns in late summer we’re headed the other direction! Lake temps in Otter Tail Lakes Country are sitting at 62 degrees, but could easily be in the upper 50’s by the end of the weekend.

How do fish respond to falling water temps? My guess is that fish like northern, walleye, and bass will still continue to feed well and remain in the current locational patterns for another week or more. But be on the guard for moody fish. When water temps drop below 60 degrees fish become more susceptible (negatively impacted), by passing highs and lows. The fish will stop biting or “short bite” for longer periods—so be on the alert.  Also, dress warm on the lakes! The damp lake air is unforgiving in the fall especially when the temps slump. Panfish are difficult to find right now because they are in transition from summer to late fall patterns. Be sure and concentrate your efforts deep and near lake basins, and also along deep weed lines. Use large baits and minnows for walleye and northern. Don’t be afraid to use 4-8 minnows for both species, and the size of the minnow doesn’t determine the size of the fish—small walleye and pike will eat them too.

It’s fall time and predator fish simply eat bigger stuff—bass included. If you’re not hunting or hiking in the woods, enjoy your time on the lakes this week, and don’t forget to dress warm.

By Ross Hagemeister, meisterguideservice.com