What cools down first?

[Other.]

Water or the air temputare?

The temputare is droping in my area and that is getting my exited because Fishing will be a little better. Now will the water temputare decreese right away when the tempuater drops or will it take a while for the water temp to drop?

[BucketmouthAngler13]

the air cools much faster.

[Guest the_muddy_man]

The air cools down first. If you fish a lake like I do this is what to expect. As the temps get colder and the wind starts to stir things up the top layer of water will cool down first. Then that water is heavier than the water in the lower parts of the lake Since Cold heavier water sinks and the warm lighter water rises you get turnover, for me one of the hardest times to fish , until things settle down I stay shallow at this time I hope that helps you.

[Other.]

Thanks muddy man that does help. So before the whole "Turn Over" thing would it be a good idea for topwater in shallow water?

[Guest the_muddy_man]

Kid you got me on that one, you are going to have to wait for an answer from a more experienced member. Ill learn something to, thats how this whole process works

[KenDammit28]

when the water starts to cool back down it CAN be good for topwater, but as a general pattern type of thing, my experience is that the fish start moving around more as they are not as pressured by the hot days and high temperatures in the water.  

So yeah, topwaters will work, but it won't be much different than any other day of fishing..you'll still have to switch up presentations for the most part.  I like spinnerbaits, topwater, and working soft plastics faster than usual

[Raul]

Water being 850 times denser than air cools at a much slower rate, it takes days of constant colder air temperature to have a small impact in the water temperature. What creates the fall pattern ? not exactly colder air temperatures, two elements create it, lower temperatures and diminishing light levels, it 's the pineal gland the one that reacts to the decreasing light levels firing the fish 's methabolism.

[Guest the_muddy_man]

Once again Doctor,Professor Raul comes up with the answer. Raul we are so blessed to have your insight on this forum! 8-)

[5bass]

It's just like in the springtime.If it's staying cold and the water isnt warming much,the fish know what's going on because of the days getting longer.They wait and wait for the water to warm but if it doesnt by that certain time,they will be more inclined to move in anyway,just because of instinct.The sun and moon tell the fish what time it is.

And as Raul said,the lack of daylight thats happening now will trigger the fish to start moving into fall even though your water temps may not be cooling much.