Fishing the rut

[ClownColor]

Okay all you smarty pants out there...educate me!

When deer hunting, I know some hunters thoughts are that the weather, or cold weather, brings on the rut. When in fact the rut occurs regardless of the weather. They say it's because of what happens 7 months later...spring and lots of nutrition for the young deer. Also, it has to do with the decreasing daylight hours.

My point is , are fish the same? Regardless of ice out, warm springs, late winters, dry springs, wet spring, and so on...do fish spawn roughly the same time year after year in a certain area? If we had ice on the lakes until June, would the spawing season hault to when the water tempature hit a certain degree? I know the DNR has shut down certain areas when late ice but wondering if there is any "hard" evidence that one has that can teach me "the fish rut."

Thanks,

CC

[goblueM]

Water temps are the large driving factor

[h8go4s]

Here's a good read on that subject.

http://www.in-fisherman.com/2011/06/02/understanding-spring-walleye-migrations/

[itchmesir]

water temp is most definitely the driving factor.. I remember last season.. bluegills spawned for maybe a little over a week.. they came in when the temps were up and then we got a cold snap and they were no where to be found in the kettles anymore.. and never returned..

[TruthWalleyes]

Water Temps. Current Flow and water levels...Fish don't have calendars.

[ClownColor]

Here's a good read on that subject.

http://www.in-fisherman.com/2011/06/02/understanding-spring-walleye-migrations/

Very good read! Looks like it is all about water temp. Also intersting is that on extended cold years, they run the risk of absorbing their eggs resulting in less fish. High water levels also result in lower spawning as well.

That can only mean one thing...WE SHOULD HAVE A PRIME SPAWNING SEASON THIS YEAR. Low water levels and a warm spring. Should be interesting on how well the fishing is in upcoming years.

[ClownColor]

Water Temps. Current Flow and water levels...Fish don't have calendars.

really...you don't think they have calenders? what about all those smart phones down there that people drop through a hole?