Water Clarity

[Whateverzbitin]

So I have been doing some digging on the DNR HSOforum for some new lakes to try this year. I am first and foremost a Pike Fisherman, but have been spending more time looking for good Panfish lakes. I notice there seems to be a strong coralation between low water clarity and panfish size structure. I assume this is due to many of the low vis lakes being very fertile and having lots of algae and forage as a result. My question is.... If you know a lake has a healthy panie population, but the lake has a visability of only 1-2 feet, do you dismiss it? I would also assume visability will be better in winter when algae blooms are not a factor, but I don't really know. Don't get me wrong, I know that super clear lakes are challenging as well, but the extreme low vis makes me unsure.

[Sonicrunch]

I'm not sure what you are asking.

May I ask why do you think somebody would dismiss a lake 'cuz of low vis?

[shizzy]

I never dismiss any lake. In fact, Ill try a lake simply because people say there Are no quality fish.

[JeffB]

This is the time the lakes are clearest until the weeds start to die off. Also it seems you can get a better day bite for eyes in stained water. Give it a try, nothing to loose.

[Whateverzbitin]

It sounds like those that posted would not dismiss a lake becuase of low vis. To the person that wondered why I asked, becuase I was wondering if fishing success would be serously impacted by fish not seeing your presentation. I did some searching online and found some threads that talked about using things that rattle, or have scent to call them in and then switch up baits if need be from there. Seems like a good idea. Not sure if the scent products work, but can't hurt to try.

[Sonicrunch]

It sounds like those that posted would not dismiss a lake becuase of low vis. To the person that wondered why I asked, becuase I was wondering if fishing success would be serously impacted by fish not seeing your presentation. I did some searching online and found some threads that talked about using things that rattle, or have scent to call them in and then switch up baits if need be from there. Seems like a good idea. Not sure if the scent products work, but can't hurt to try.

Ah, I see now.

FYI, fish "feel" things moving in the water with their "lateral line".

So, sight is only one method of locating food for a fish.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lateral_line

[FishinFools]

We were fishing in a shallow lake yesterday. My son noted that you lost sight of your jig at about 3ft. No visible particulate, just kind of cloudy. Not sure what causes this, as I am sure that lake had capped and started to settle at least a week ago. Decaying weeds?

Buck shot lures, shaken, not stirred, brought in some crappies. I am a new fan of "if you don't see fish on the vex, rattle something and try again." I will carry two rigged rods when trolling from now on.

[JeffB]

If you want proof you can do well in a lake with poor clarity the best answer I can give is "Upper Red Lake".