Question regarding time of day to fish in respects to weather?

[Nepatizz]

Hello! 

 

The weather is just starting to warm up where I live, reaching a maximum of 62 degrees or so and dropping to the mid 40's at night. Some days are still only in the mid 50's, but I have been fishing on the warmer days during the middle of the day while the heat is at its peak. I have had scattered success going during this time. 

 

It is generally believed that bass fishing is better at sunrise and sunset because of bass feeding patterns, but does that hold true when the morning and night temperatures are still in the low 50s? In other words, is the better choice to fish early in cooler temperatures or wait till it's warm so the water temp rises and fish are more likely to be active? 

 

Tough choice. Have any of you had this dilemma? Either way, what do you think? 

 

Thanks

[WRB]

The factor that is important isn't air temperature it's water temperature...what is it?

Tom

[RoLo]

 

As Tom mentioned, air temperature is important only inasmuch as it impacts water temperature.

Going further, the 'trend' of water temperature is at least as important as the numeric value.

 

Roger

 

 

[Nepatizz]

41 minutes ago, WRB said:

The factor that is important isn't air temperature it's water temperature...what is it?

Tom

Still working on getting a thermometer (I bank fish) but still, the water temp should be higher in the middle of the day, assuming the temp rises to a peak. 

 

When I feel the water with my hand it's not freezing cold. It's at a water temperature that you could swim in, though you'd be pretty cold. Not sure about deeper water but it seems relatively warm in comparison to winter water temps.

 

I know that the fish are getting more active where I live, some have started bedding. But I don't know if its worth it to wait until that water temp rises in the middle of the day for the most activity from fish (assuming it doesn't get too hot out, its still spring). Does the higher water temp make that much of a difference? 

[WRB]

The surface water temps are affected by air temps, bass don't live on the surface or the top 3"-4" of water. Warmer water stays above the colder water as it warms and usually requires wind to mix it.

You can use a digital human thermometer inserted down a the basses throat to measure it's body temperature that is the same as the water temps the bass was acclaimated to.

Tom

[Nepatizz]

1 minute ago, WRB said:

The surface water temps are affected by air temps, bass don't live on the surface or the top 3"-4" of water. Warmer water stays above the colder water as it warms and usually requires wind to mix it.

You can use a digital human thermometer inserted down a the basses throat to measure it's body temperature that is the same as the water temps the bass was acclaimated to.

Tom

That's super interesting, I didn't know that. Thank you!!! 

[scaleface]

Early in the year with water temps in the 40's and low 50's , I have had more success in the afternoons . The surface temp can raise 10 degrees or more on a sunny day , then drop again that night ..

[WRB]

Bass are going to be active feeding on thier own schedule depending on prey availble.

The only seasonal period that impacts feeding is spawning. 

Bass go deeper in the winter cold water period seeking warmer water if availble. As the water column warms from the cold water period and reaches around 50's core water temps where the bass are located feeding activity increases. Metabolic rate is higher the need for more food increases and the pre spawn cycle is starting up.

My gues without knowing water temps is your lake is in the pre spawn cycle and the bass are staging. 

When to fish? Whenever you can to get in tune with your lakes rythym of activity.

Tom

[Bird]

Water temps have an effect on fish activity. 

 

Air temps have an effect on fisherman activity, this one anyway.

[Sam]

1 hour ago, WRB said:

The factor that is important isn't air temperature it's water temperature...what is it?

Tom

X2

[Black Hawk Basser]

I would say that you're onto something fishing during the afternoons once you've given the sun some time to warm up the water a bit.  It might be a time when fish activity is increased from a warming trend.  Even better would be to fish during the evening after an unseasonably warm day or two.

[RoLo]

 

'Time-Of-Day' is largely influenced by the availability of prey, but is also influenced by underwater visibility.

On balance, the eyesight of bass is superior to most baitfish. Not surprisingly, mainstream bass tend to exploit

their advantage by feeding during twilight (1st & last hour of light). In contrast, belly-sagging lunkers

are noted for exploiting the midday sun, which enhances their ability to ambush prey. 

 

Roger

[roadwarrior]

2 hours ago, Nepatizz said:

It is generally believed that bass fishing is better at sunrise and sunset because of bass feeding patterns

BS...

 

The best time of day for BIG bass is 10 AM to 2 PM.  

 

[The Bassman]

The best time to catch bass is whenever you can go. Don't know where you're located but it sounds like you're still in pre spawn. One of the best times of the year for big bass. Just go fishing.

[Koz]

The only time I worry about weather and fishing is if it is dangerous conditions outside or it’s too uncomfortable to fish. Every minute I can spend fishing is another chance to catch a PB.

 

Just fish it!

[BurrStone]

It sounds like you've described the weather where I live. I fished 2x this past week and while I only caught 5 bass, all were at or over 3 lbs, in shallow water, morning and afternoon. Surface water temp was between 50 and 52 degrees as the day progressed. I agree w/Kicker and others who say just get out there - pre-spawn is great for catching the big ones. 

[WRB]

1 hour ago, roadwarrior said:

BS...

 

The best time of day for BIG bass is 10 AM to 2 PM.  

 

Don't think the op is targeting big bass, just bass fishing in general.

Having trophy bass fished for decades successfully mid day is only a advantage for bed fishing because of better visual conditions to locate beds and see bass on them.

All my top giant bass were caught before 10A or after 5P, none during the magic hours believed to 10A to 2P.

Bottom line is you need to be on the water fishing to catch them.

Tom

Tom

 

[GreenPig]

4 hours ago, Nepatizz said:

Still working on getting a thermometer (I bank fish) but still, the water temp should be higher in the middle of the day, assuming the temp rises to a peak. 

 

When I feel the water with my hand it's not freezing cold. It's at a water temperature that you could swim in, though you'd be pretty cold. Not sure about deeper water but it seems relatively warm in comparison to winter water temps.

 

I know that the fish are getting more active where I live, some have started bedding. But I don't know if its worth it to wait until that water temp rises in the middle of the day for the most activity from fish (assuming it doesn't get too hot out, its still spring). Does the higher water temp make that much of a difference? 

I use a digital meat thermometer for surface temperature when bank fishing/pond hopping.