Fishing can be a challenging hobby for both new anglers and seasoned pros alike. Although some people may think it’s as simple as throwing a lure into the water and waiting for fish to arrive, most of us know it’s not that simple. One big challenge you’ll face as an angler is dealing with different water conditions. I’m not referring so much to the calmness of the water (or lack thereof), what I’m referring to is temperature, oxidation, and clarity. All of these aspects can have a huge impact on your ability to catch fish. Keep reading to learn more about water conditions while fishing.

Oxygen Content and Temperature

Just like humans, fish need oxygen in order to survive. However, unlike humans, they don’t have lungs so they can’t process oxygen from the air. Also, like humans, fish don’t like to live in areas where they don’t have access to oxygen and in certain places, it can be deadly. Oxygen in the water that is available for fish is called dissolved oxygen. Most fish can thrive in areas where dissolved oxygen is five parts per million (ppm), however, when it drops below that, the fish can have problems or even die. There are a variety of things that can affect the dissolved oxygen level including barometric pressure, wave action, and underwater plant life. Fish are sensitive to temperature because they are cold-blooded and can't keep a constant body temperature. 

Fish Inactivity

It’s important to note that although cold water provides more oxygen that fish need, it also causes their digestion to slow down. This is because there is a certain enzyme that digests the food fish eat and it’s much more active in warmer temperatures. As such, fish will eat more often in warm water. A lot of times, knowing your species will help to determine whether you should scout out cold or warmer waters. Depending on the species you're after, some thrive in colder waters where others thrive in warm water.

Thermocline

Lakes develop something called a thermocline in summer months. This results when the top layer of water is much warmer than the layer below it. There will always be high oxygen content where these layers meet, and although the thermocline depth varies from lake to lake, it should be consistent across each lake. Targeting areas where the thermocline meets rocks, structure, or weeds should yield a lot of fish.

Water Clarity

Water transparency is determined by the number of particles in the water. Sediment from plant erosion or algae can increase the number of particles, reducing transparency. In shallow areas where sunlight is able to reach the bottom, more aquatic vegetation will grow which fish like because it increases oxygen levels.

Learn About The GoFish Cam

As you can see, the conditions of the water you’re fishing can significantly impact your ability to catch fish. Just like how a human would go inside to escape the rain, fish like to move around based on the water conditions. Are you looking for more ways to get a competitive edge on your next fishing trip? The GoFish Cam is an underwater fishing camera designed for anglers of all skill levels. It attaches directly to your line and allows you to see everything that’s going on underwater. Additionally, you can record all your fishing action in high definition and upload it directly to social media via your mobile device. Visit GoFish Cam today to learn more.