High Water Temps

[RK]

Hiya,

Just a thought for those heading out this weekend... Reports I'm hearing are that water temps state-wide (and even into Canada) are extremely high now. Low- to mid-80s on a lot of lakes. With the abnormally high surface temps, I just want to urge those of you out muskie fishing the next few days to take extra care with handling fish. In high water temps, fish - and big fish in particular - are extremely susceptable to heat stress. Warmer water is much less able to carry oxygen, and it makes it that much harder for fish to recover from being caught.

I know a number of guys who are choosing to fish for something else till things cool down, and I know of some guides that are cancelling muskie trips because of the hot water. I'll leave it up to individuals to decide whether or not to fish - I understand limited fishing time, believe me. But if you do fish, please, please take extra care. If at all possible, don't remove fish from the water at all, and unhook them as quickly as possible. If you're taking a photo, make it an in the water shot, or just skip the photos entirely. None of us want to see floaters...

Cheers,

RK

[Jim Hudson]

Great post RK.. I couldnt agree more...

[RuKiddingMe]

Right on RK, I know I won't be on the water for awhile... I have a hardwood floor to finish at home... haha

RU

[markkstanley]

Great post RK. I tend to shutdown my musky fishing by August for the exact reasons RK brought up. Might have to do it it earlier this year. And no way anyone should even think of trolling for muskys with these water temps. My plan is to take the time to get more "honey dos" out of the way and free up some extra time for fall fishing Besides the house is air conditioned my boat isn't.

[buzzin for bass]

Mark,

Why is trolling harder on musky than casting?

[mtreno]

seen two floaters on french.......

[Random guy]

Well put RK, good point to bring up as we come into some hot weather, some of the first hot weather in a couple years. Plus who wants to stand out in the sun and wipe the sweat out of your eyes in between cast. Espically some bone head that bought a black boat. (it looked cool when I bought it)

[TurnUpTheFishing]

Saw a nice Tiger washed up on the shore of Gervais.

[jiggin' fool]

Oh man..., I am really disappointed!!!! I have my "once-in-a-blue-moon" muskie trip planned.., and I see the water temps are waaaaaaay high!!!! I am scheduled to leave for Mille Lacs this coming Sunday, the 24th.., and staying through Thursday, the 28th.

The forecast for this entire time-frame, from today through the end of my trip, is for temps in the 70-80 degree range for highs.., with lows dipping at one point to 49, with the remainder of the forecasted lows in the mid-50's.

Will this help???????? How quickly do the water-temps drop on a lake the size of Mille Lacs???? Will it help with the bite??? (Not that there has been much of a bite lately, but I sure don't want it to be WORSE!!!!).

And if I keep the fish in the water the entire time.., can I bring her out.., literally for 20-seconds for a quick photo and back to be released?????

I am just sick that my "annual" is about to go up in smoke.., (or should I say 'steam'???)!!!

Any thoughts would be appreciated!!!!!!!

Thanks guys.., and tight lines!!!!!!

[CommonSense Guy]

I would be excited. I hear the fish are turning on. A 55 incher was just caught up there. Plus would you want to fish all day in 95% heat. I think it will be dynamite.

[markkstanley]

Given a little wind water temps could drop as much as 2 or 3 degrees a day if air temps are 10 degrees cooler. Typically the surface temps will get to the average temp of the air. A high of 90 with a low of 70 over a week will get you 80 degree water. That's the first 6ft or so. To get the water 15ft down to change takes longer. I lived in North Carolina for awhile and the surface temps would be in the 90s but 15ft down was high 70s. Given Sundays wind and Mondays temp drop wouldn't be surprised if surface temps are 4 or 5 degrees cooler by tomorrow than Saturdays.

[680T]

Got a report temps on the north side are at 72-74'.

[680T]

Oops.72-74 on Mille Lacs that is.

[FigR8'EM]

This might sound a little crazy to some guys but a great way to release muskies in this hot weather is to actually get INTO the water with the fish and swim it around. I was told this was a great way to revive a fish by one of my good friends who is a guide in the hayward area. It helps the fish a ton and it makes for some really cool pictures. And it also feels great to take a swim on a hot day.

Kano

[walleye_guy18]

that does sound like a really cool idea....except I kind of like having all of my limbs and digits intacked

[TMan]

That sounds like something a Wisconsinite would say

[FigR8'EM]

hahaha that is classic...but true.