Discussions on lentic systems and ecology.

[Steve Zissou]

Hello all, I was actually browsing for a discussion on ecology in British Columbia for fly fishing purposes when I stumbled on this website. I noticed that there are, currently, no discussions on lake systems on these forums.

In my experience, you can study something in books and classes, but simply having a conversation with people that have put time into a topic is more beneficial.

I'm an environmental engineering student (final semester), and thought that maybe I could offer some insight into the technical aspects of things such as lake stratification/temperature profiles and maybe lake turnover. Some of the more experienced anglers on here could relate their stories with fishing and these topics.

Is there any interest in that, or would I simply be writing up explanations that people would end up finding on Google and reading?

[knotnot]

That info would be a great addition here.
My degree does not really help me catch fish.
Mathematics and environmental studies/entomology/biology do not quite relate too closely.
Unless I catch a fish to feed the family and cut it up based on age: weight size of fillet ratio.

k

[btree]

I'm entering a Fisheries and Aquaculture program this year, and would certainly be interested in such topics. I've fished lots of lakes and used to focus most of my efforts on catching fish there, especially in the spring while the rivers are either closed or blownout/too high.

[mainline]

It would be great to exchange knowledge and real experiences supporting the scientific elements of the local lakes. Productive days out on the water seem to occur when timing all of these factors.

[btree]

That's for sure! Turnover in lakes has huge effects of fishing. I'm in a course at VIU that will be addressing these topics, well not so much fishing, but lake ecology and water.

I'm not sure what I can offer, but if you have any questions about my fishing experiences, I'm sure I can recall different events, and once I get into my course work, i'm sure I'll ahve lots of questions for you as well.

[newsteelyman]

do lakes turn-over in the fall like they do just after ice off in the spring. with the cooler temps in the mornings now starting to cool off the lakes, does the warmer water on the bottom "turn over"?
thanx for any info,
Brian

[Steve Zissou]

Hey, Steelyman.

The short answer is yes. I'll be posting a topic on this tomorrow, actually, so check back and hopefully it will answer any other questions on the topic you have.

I'm also hoping that some of the veterans on here will share some insight into their fishing experiences just before/during/just after the turnover.

[johnk]

do lakes turn-over in the fall like they do just after ice off in the spring. with the cooler temps in the mornings now starting to cool off the lakes, does the warmer water on the bottom "turn over"?
thanx for any info,
Brian

Welcome aboard Steve!

Newsteelyman,
As Steve has eluded to, lakes do turn over in the fall but usually not until mid to late October when the complete water column reaches 39.2 degrees and with all the oxygen isolated in the top layer, causes the lake to literally turn over. Decomposition of vegetation on the bottom eats up much needed oxygen which restricts O2 to the top layers. Sometimes lakes will freeze before turnover which I've seen on Tunkwa and Leighton. The best scenario after freeze-up is no snow for a while which helps continued light penetration to keep photosynthesis active.

In regards to Steve's inquiry about fishing experiences around turnover, here is what I've experienced;

Pre-Turnover: Once the mercury drops to the mid 40's the fish are on the shoals and feeding agressively in preparation for the oncoming freeze and it is at this time that bloodworms and juvenile dragonfly nymphs migrate to deeper water for the long winter ahead. I've had some marvelous days fishing bloodworms under an indicator in 5' of water retrieving from shallow to deeper depths.

Turnover: Without a doubt this is the toughest of the three phases to find success but if you change your strategies you can find fish. On stagnant lakes it is a case of fishing large food items in a catatonic matter, for instance deadstill under an indicator. For lakes with an active inflow you'll want to target the vicinity of where the fresh water is enter the lake as this will be the clearest and most oxygenated water in the lake. It is also beneficial to know where natural springs are located as well.

Post-Turnover: Game on! I have found that shallower lakes that are subjective to wind will clear up much quicker and the best fishing of fall will commence. If you're willing to brave the cold you can catch your largest fish of the year at this time. I find myself fishing flashy leeches with much animation at this time and some of the best fishing I've had has been in November. By this time the vegetation has decomposed enough that those shallow bays you haven't fished since May are finally, once again, accessible. At Tunkwa the channel behind the bird sanctuary island is such a place that holds many large residents in both May and late fall.

Hope this helps somewhat and perhaps Steve will elaborate on the effects of turnover and destratification on the quarry we target.