Spring Water

[Mid-MO]

I fished Pomme de Terre in southwest Missouri yesterday.  It is a deep, rocky lake that normally has clear water (3-5' visibility) up around the dam.  We've had pretty good weather here for the last week(60-70) and Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday had been the 3 warmest days of the year.   We had a little rain last Friday night.

I went to the lake expecting to find fairly clear water, and water temps around 50 to mid 50's.  That was far from the case.  The warmest water I was found was 51 land that was late in the afternoon.  Most of the water was 46-48.  It was also heavily stained (about a foot of visibility around the dam). The water level was high but it had been for several weeks and they have been dropping it daily (about 2").  There was also a lot of slimy moss up close the banks.  This is really unusual for that lake.  I've got a friend who has retired down there and fished the lake for 25+ years and he doesn't ever remember moss like this.  He said the fishing has been tough the last few days - but you would think it would've been pretty good given the recent good, stable weather.

When I took out, a local muskie guide was putting in.  He thought the lake was turning over. I thought that sounded like it made sense - but then I wasn't sure if a lake would do that in the spring (I know it will in the fall).  

Anyone got any good guesses?

[llPa1nll]

Water only turns over in the Fall that I am aware of. The reason for the more stained water conditions could be the spring run off carrying silt into the lake from the Spring Thaw. A couple warm days will not spike a lakes temperature, especially if the temps are dropping quite a bit at night. You have to remember that the whole body of water was under 40°F for a long time. It takes awhile to work its way back up. the warmer days will help but thats only heating the surface water, if your lake is somewhat deepits just going to take some time.

[senile1]

Anytime the water temperature goes from warm to cold, or vice-versa there is turnover.  I believe the Fall turnover is more pronounced but don't quote me on that.  Check this link out.

http://www.islandnet.com/~see/weather/elements/turnlakes.htm

[Mid-MO]

I hadn't been there yet this spring but the water had been clearer the week or so prior than it was yesterday (according to reports). I realize that runoff will affect the clarity but there hadn't been enough recently to change the water so much.

It has also been warmer a couple of days prior than it was yesterday. For example, my friend who lives down there had found water in the mid 50's a day or two before and couldn't find any near that yesterday (despite the 70 degree days and fairly warm nights - high 40's).

As for the article, a very interesting read.  I hadn't ever heard specifically of a lake turning over in the spring.  

[PondBoss]

I know the water turns over in both seasons.  Trust me on that as  kid our school bus drove over the lake, what a smell  

[radiob]

I can't think of the guys name right now, but if you call the conser atio department at pomme, they will put you in touch with their fish biologist. They are doing a lot of "stuff" to the lake right now. The canservation people up there are great and will be more than happy to talk to you about the lake, it's conditions and everthing else that has to do wiith the area.. I don't have personal knowledge of that lake, but i know the people of the conservation department and they are extremly helpful.

The Radio Guy