| Thermalcline, here's the quick version. The thermalcline is the depth of water that is between the bottom temperature, and the upper portion effected by the surface and air teperature. Lets say you are fishing 30 foot deep body of water, in the hot summer, the thermalcline could be at 15 feet. Meaning, anything above that is warmer all the way to the surface. The thermalcline also runs horizantaly towards the shore and will end where the water is 15 feet deep. To locate fish, locate the thermalcline. Sounds dificult, but actually it isn't that hard. On any body of water, find one of the deepest areas that is closest to shore. Slowly travel straight out from the shore watching for bait fish on your depth finder. Mentaly note the depth the majority of fish seem to be gathering. This depth is usually the thermalcline. The bait fish will generally suspend at the thermalcline because it is a comfortable, and safe depth to be. This is also were you should be fishing. The larger preditor fish will be at these depth. (Pike, Musky, Walleye) Colder seasons will find the thermalcline at shallower depths. If the thermalcline is at 8 feet, dont expect to find to many big fish in 4 feet of water. Fish at 8 feet of water or deeper, but present your bait at 8 feet. But don't forget, that depth could be anywhere from 6 to 75 feet, depending on lake depth, season, location, etc. |
| Fishing the Thermalcline |
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