Thermocline Turnover

[tentimesover]

I fish on a lake that develops a thermocline each summer -- the experts tell me. This weekend one of these experts told me that fishing was bad in one of my favorite coves because "it was turning over." Indeed I found the fishing was bad there. I also noted that the sonar had an appearance I'm not familiar with, the top 3/4 of the water column had a speckled appearance. Question,can the "turnover" be observed on the sonar, and, was what I saw indicative of turnover?

[brushhoggin]

I'm no expert when it comes to reading sonar, but here is a good thread with sonar pics identifying a thermocline

[jiggerpole]

I have found that when a lake turns over it is bringing all the nasty dead water from the bottom to the top as it does the flip. This water, void of oxygen and dead decay matter can take several days to clear up. During this time it seems that it pushes the fish very close to the shoreline or they will go up in a creek where they can find some current. It can shut the bite down.

[Siebert Outdoors]

With the temps we have had lately I dont think the lake of the ozarks is turning yet. You probably still have a month or so.

[Wayne P.]

I fish on a lake that develops a thermocline each summer -- the experts tell me. This weekend one of these experts told me that fishing was bad in one of my favorite coves because "it was turning over." Indeed I found the fishing was bad there. I also noted that the sonar had an appearance I'm not familiar with, the top 3/4 of the water column had a speckled appearance. Question,can the "turnover" be observed on the sonar, and, was what I saw indicative of turnover?

Sonar shows the water density changes due to temperature when the thermocline is present.

When turnover happens, the water temp is the same thoughout the water column so any returns as a result would be suspended solids and may not be clearly shown like the thermocline is ( more like a muddy water situation).