Wednesday, May 8, 2024
Fall turnover actually starts when the surface starts to cool. The cooler water on top is heavier (more dense) and starts to sink, causing the lake to literally turnover. The cooler weather has been a little slow to move in this year, but it is on the way.
Fishing is generally said to slow down when turnover occurs. This may be true, but when turnover occurs the fish respond to the change in their environment, and you may have to change your techniques as well.
The initial fall turnover is usually associated with the lake “stinking” due to the bottom debri being cycled to the top. You may also see slime on the water that sticks to boats during the initial turnover. Turnover continues as long as the surface is cooling. This mixes the water from top to bottom, and our shallow Texas lakes will eventually have consistent temperatures and oxygen throughout the entire water column. This is basically when the fish can spread out, making them more difficult to locate at times.
Our weather has seesawed this last week. Summer returned with really hot temperatures, which will likely slow the turnover process, but as fall continues so will the turnover.
Not all water bodies turnover. Some small, shallower, wind-protected waters may never turnover. Granbury will turnover as it does every fall season.
So where do the fish go when the lake first starts to turnover? Most anglers will say that the fish scatter and may be more difficult to locate (as I mentioned above). This poor fishing is generally during the first stage of turnover when water conditions are changing. After the initial turnover, the fish will be able to survive at different depths and will not be congregated in or above the thermocline as they were in the summer. You will have to work different depths and use different patterns to locate fish. The good thing is that all species will go on a fall feeding frenzy that will include a top water bite, which can be some of the best fishing of the year.
The gulls and other wintering birds will return to our area shortly, and these birds can help you locate feeding fish.
Fall and winter fishing can be some of the best fishing of the year. Hopefully, the cooler weather will come sooner than later. Also, pray for more rain. Good luck on the water and out in the field.
HOOD COUNTY FISHING REPORT
Granbury water temperatures continue to be in the lower 80s. Lake levels continue to be about two feet low. Granbury sandbass are schooling on several areas of the lake, including the Shores, Indian Harbor, and near Decordova subdivision. Largemouth bass up to six pounds are possible and are near main lake points and shallow humps/flats. Some good topwater action is reported on these feeding flats. Striped bass continue to be good up to near 10 pounds on live bait and trolled jigs/crankbaits on the lower ends. Crappies are excellent on small jigs and minnows fished on submerged structures and near bridge pilings. Catfish action continues to be best in the evening on cut shad. Some bigger yellows and blues up to 25 pounds are possible.
Comanche Creek (Squaw Creek) opens Oct. 1 on Thursdays through Sundays. The channel catfish and largemouth bass are exceptional on this lake. There is also an abundant supply of Tilapia (Invasive species) that are great table fare. A reservation is required prior to entry.
On other reservoirs: Lake Benbrook is closed to boat traffic due to low water conditions. Lake Whitney and Possum Kingdom continue to boast good striped bass fishing on down-rigged jigs or live shad. Some good top water action is being reported as well.
michael.acosta@att.net | 254-396-4855
