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Fishing Facts Page 2
Wind direction does seem to affect fishing. The phrase "...winds in the east, fish bite least...." seems generally true, although the wind direction itself may not be as important as the accompanying climatic factors.
Cloud cover, turbidity, rain and cooler air masses will all cause cooling, stimulating fish movement in summer. Weather that has a warming effect on water may also set off increased activity.
The fish comfort zone in summer is referred to as the "thermocline." It varies in depth and thickness, depending on the size and shape of a reservoir. Temperature and oxygen levels in this zone usually favor the comfort of most species. Avoid fishing below the thermocline in summer due to low oxygen levels.
Large predators are most effective in lower light conditions, when their greater size is easier to conceal while foraging.
During early spring the northern portion of ponds and reservoirs tend to warm faster and will stimulate more activity than other areas. Turbid water will warm faster and cool slower than clear water. In early spring, look for fish to move out of clear water into turbid water. In summer, find fish in clear water during morning and evening.
A common thread that links all good anglers is their ability to establish a fishing pattern. Factors such as water temperature, water depth, weather conditions, habitat type, bait type and presentation can be used to establish a pattern.
Accomplished anglers will keep a mental, or even a written, diary of these factors each time they catch a fish. But duplicating a successful angling technique, lure type, and fishing depth in a similar area with similar climatic conditions, anglers can often establish a successful pattern that will produce fish year after year.
Don't leave confidence and optimism out of your tackle box. Since casual anglers cannot select the perfect day, they must align the factors on a given fishing day with a positive attitude. Good luck and good fishing!
Information provided by the
Oklahoma Department of Wildlife
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