Ohio Game Fishing banner
Cancel
Create thread New Forums

Alum Res + Smallmouth + Water Temps

2 reading
Jump to Latest
3.2K views 5 replies 4 participants last post by  AKlo  
A
#1 ·
Question about the water temp readings: How do the north and south pool water temps related to the outflow temps measured/reported by the Corps of Engineers (link below)?

I'm looking to go out for smallmouth on Alum Creek Reservior, probably the south pool this spring. Married, father of 3, kids into all kinds of stuff, so I can't fish 3 Saturdays a month all year. Honestly, if I get 2 Saturdays between now and mid-June it will be a miracle. Looking to maximize action since I get to go so rarely, but don't want to hit too early when they're still too deep and too inactive. I'll probably fish blade bait, spoons, or tube in 15-20 ft.....main and secondary points.

Right now, reading says 45.5 degrees at 12pm 4/17......I'm assuming this is discharge water temp just below dam. How close is the surface temp above the dam to 45.5? Typically higher/lower?

Thank you.

http://www.lrh-wc.usace.army.mil/wm/?basin/sci/acs#graph_water_temp

Also, about posting etiquette - I'm new and wasn't sure how/where to post this....there are plenty of Alum Creek conditions threads, but this is more general about water temps above/below the dam. I asked this once before as was told to start a new thread.
 
#2 · (Edited)
Interesting question. Not sure if you saw this (and the footnote):

http://www.lrh-wc.usace.army.mil/wq/acs_tem_avg.jpg

My guess would be the water isn’t too terribly stratified just yet. On a sunny day a foot or two down where your transducer is located will probably be warmer than a few meters deep, but that report suggests the outflow temperature can be reasonably relied upon for the temperature of the majority of the main lake water column this time of year. Sorry I don’t have anything anecdotal. With that being said, shallow coves should warm up earlier. Good luck. I’m in the same situation. Rarely get a weekday or weekend to hit the lake due to work and family obligations, respectively.
 
D
#4 ·
On Friday 4/13 on my lunch hour, I was down near the dam and was testing the diving depth of my walleye gear with a FishHawk TD probe. I wanted to test the effect of using mono line vs braid against the published dive curves. Anyway, my depth probe measures the temp every five feet down. The surface temperature was 46.5 and the temperature dropped gradually to 39 degrees 40 feet down according to my probe.
 
J
#5 ·
My answer would be it doesn’t matter a whole lot. The first Tuesday nighter at alum is next week and guys will catch fish (not saying I will lol) but for me water clarity is the deciding factor. As soon as it gets some visibility back, which could be a couple weeks, there will be prespawn fish available. As long as we’ve got this chocolate milk, I’ll be trying to luck into some largemouth because I personally have 0 confidence in getting smalljaws to bite in dirty water. If it was clear and your good with electronics you would catch them now. I would also quit thinking about stratification. I’ve seen it with all types of spawning fish they are looking for that warm water. Even if it’s cold out deep they will get shallow to find it.
 
Ohio Game Fishing
posts
3M
members
65K
Since
2004
A forum community dedicated to Ohio’s fishers and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about safety, gear, tackle, tips, tricks, reviews, reports, accessories, classifieds, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
Lake Erie Fishing Reports Northeast Ohio Fishing Reports Central Ohio Fishing Reports Southwest Ohio Fishing Reports Lake Erie General Discussions