Weather Discussion

[Savage Brewer]

So I am wondering, do most of you find that the fish react to weather differently in the winter than during open water season?

I know things like wind can turn things up in the summer, where the ice creates a barrier.

But I am wondering more about things like cold fronts, barometric pressure changes and such.

Just wondering if having ice makes you approach things differently than you would in the summer.

Thanks

[kfk]

Fronts and barometric pressure affect fish in the winter very much like in the summer. The cold weather though really has little to do with it. I see alot of posts from guys asking if the fish will bit when it gets so cold. Of course they will! The temperature under the ice is pretty stable all winter (colder at the top and warmer on the bottom)and doesn't go down if a cold front comes through. The cold weather is really just a sign of high barometric pressure. It's the high barometric pressure that affects the fish. The fronts are also usually accompanied by strong NW winds when they first come in. It's probably a time when you can see fish on your depth finder but can't get them to bite very well. Downsizing baits and maybe just a deadrod and bobber will probably be the best way to catch fish during these periods. You can still catch fish and maybe alot of nice fish but it just probably won't be one of those 100 walleye days you read about. If the barometric pressure is stable for a long period of time or dropping, the bite will usually pick up and then the more aggressive methods will probably be better because you'll notice that the fish will chase your bait. It's the best hunting time for fish and they're usually in a biting mood..

It's way more complicated than this but in a nutshell, stable barometric pressure or a falling barometer will affect fish in the winter like it affects them in the summer.

[Savage Brewer]

That s what I kind of figured, wasn't sure though, mostly a question about pressure fronts and so forth.

And yeah I agree, the fish really don't care what the temperature is above the water, because it will stay somewhat stabilized down deep.