Weekly Fraser Valley Sport fishing column; May 26 to June 2, 2014

This week we are going to build on the early season angling tactics we covered last week.

Science tells us, that during spring season, warmer water increases a fish?s metabolism and holds more oxygen. Using this knowledge, we can determine the areas of a lake will be warmer and therefore attract larger quantities of fish. Generally the north east sections of a lake receive the longest concentrations of sunlight, given that the sun shines in a northerly direction, and sets in the west.
A bottom of Silt or mud absorbs and retains more heat than sand or gravel. Countering these warming effects; are inlet streams that while adding oxygen, through the process of aeration, lower the water temperature at their confluence.

Then there are two wild cards that can throw a wrench into early season fishing: a full moon and cold fronts. The moon and its influence on fish is a subject all its own which we will cover at another time. As far as angling 101 goes, let?s just say don?t waste your time fishing under the influence of a full moon. Cold fronts, low pressure systems as the weather people call them, are ushered in with low barometric pressure. Low and falling barometric pressure puts fish off the bite and causes them to seek deeper, colder, and more pressurized water to counteract the effects of the lower barometric pressure.

At first glance this might seem like a lot to cover. It is not. Getting all these ducks in a row is no different than trouble shooting. Most of it can be done with one?s powers of observation and a compass. During the afternoon, focus on the north to north east region of the water you want to fish. Determine where the inlet streams enter the water system and avoid those areas, while looking for mud and silt covered and well weeded shallows. Pay attention to the weather and don?t fish under a full moon.

To quote a famous radio personality; ?It?s just that easy.?

The Report




Our lower mainland creeks and sloughs are slow to fair.