Now is a good time to discuss wind and fishing. As we get into the month of September, you can be guaranteed we will contend with some significant wind on the water. A few weeks ago I discussed cold fronts and some adjustments to improve success. This is the month of fronts, and wind is a result as the colliding air masses fight for position.
We will soon enter the time of transition from summer patterns to early fall patterns, and the inconsistency in fishing from day to day that comes with this transition.
Wind can be your friend on the water. It can help you narrow down some locations that become worth checking due to the winds influence on the lake, baitfish, and fish. Wind, especially if it has been steady and consistent for more than a day, can stack plankton up against shoreline breaks and other emergent structure. Plankton brings in the minnows and other baitfish, and the baitfish bring the predators to the party.
It is science, but not rocket science. You always stand a better chance of catching fish if you locate them or locate their food. Wind can bring the fish to the top of the mid-lake humps and extend the length of active feeding periods.
For shallow fish, wind effect on the lake can break up light penetration (due to wave action refracting light) and oxygenate the warmer water in the shallows (making it possible for them to be in the shallow water and active for extended periods of time).
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Wind can create currents on lakes that can influence fish location. Neck down areas or deep saddles between shallow humps can have water funneling through them that makes them prime feeding locations. Wind can also create a “lake current” after blowing in one direction for a couple days, and then switching directions or even stopping. This is when listening to the old advice of “fish yesterday’s wind” can be a benefit.
An example of the effect of a wind affected lake current can easily be demonstrated by blowing on the water in the top of a glass. You will notice that the water will stack against the opposite side. When you quit blowing, water does what it does naturally….seek its own level. The water will settle back, and as it does on a lake, it creates a reversing current.
We will sometimes deal with multiple wind shifts during a day during this time of the year. Sometimes these wind shifts can put fish into a neutral to negative feeding mood and it will take a little time for them to readjust and become active again. Sometimes it can be as short as a half hour and sometimes, depending on the nature of the front the wind shift is caused by, can put fish off for a day or two.
A wind shift may reposition the fish on the structure you are fishing. If you lose sight of them on your electronics, go looking, they are probably still in the area.
One of the most significant influences of high wind, is boat control. Being able to keep you in a good position to fish your presentation is critical for success, and controlling your boat is the key. Only one way I know to get good at controlling your boat in a wind…..get out and practice. Some of the days on the water that others think are too windy to fish, can end up being some of the best action you can have. Some of my biggest numbers days, and best fish quality days have come when it would have been easy to justify not going out.
If trolling, use the wind to your advantage and move with the wind or straight into the wind. Drifting with the wind is a proven winning strategy.
If casting, position yourself to throw with the wind, quartering the wind puts bows in your line that make you ineffective.
If anchoring and casting jigs, baits, or slip bobbers, make sure you allow yourself at least 3-4 times the depth you are fishing of anchor rope to hold, and position yourself far enough into the wind in front of where you plan to fish that you cast to your location and don’t put your boat on top of your spot.
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Sometimes it is can be just too crazy windy to fish effectively where you want. Make lake choices (even to be able to launch and load safely) and lake locations that make it comfortable enough and you can be effective in your approach.
Get out in the wind this September and October and practice, practice, practice!
(Laabs runs Brad Laabs’ Guide Service in Detroit Lakes.)
