I would think most anglers, novice or not, have heard of or know that lakes turnover in the fall. But some may not know this or take into consideration that lakes also turnover in the spring. Depending on the size and depth, some lakes will turnover faster than others and some small lakes that are shallow will NOT turnover at all. This is my best explanation on spring turnover.

When the ice comes off the lakes the sun warms the top layer of water and with the help of the wind, the lower layer mixes with the top layer of water. This process stirs up nutrients and will cause algae to grow. At this time some lakes take on a brownish color or look cloudy, but once spring turnover is complete, water clarity will return.

This is also the time when vegetation starts growing again. The new vegetation is now producing oxygen and for that reason, fish will start returning to shallow water. As the water temperatures warm, the three layers (EPILMNION, THERMCLOINE, HYPOLIMION) will be established once again. Why is this important to remember? Due to the lack of oxygen, fish WILL NOT be below the thermocline and during this time spawning has also started.

Next week we’ll cover basic SPAWNING and WATER TEMPERATURES.

PLEASE RELEASE WALLEYES OVER 24 INCHES. THESE BIG GIRLS PRODUCE MORE EGGS AND LARGER WALLEYES IN THE FUTURE.