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Posts: 227
Location: Southeast Wisconsin | Not trying to tell anybody what they can and cant do, but I was reading a solid 82 when I launched this morning and it took me an hour to release a 39 we caught at 10am so I cancled the rest of the day and wont be guiding or fishing for at least a week or until the temps come down some.. Okauchee/oconomowoc are a little cooler and it might just still be safe to pull a fish from those waters, but than again it may not be...
If you decide to head out (and I dont blame you if you do) Please be carefull and try not to target the fish in deeper water.
I dont have time to add all the tips for a healthy release so maybe some other people could chime in and finish the list if they want to.
The fish we caught this morning was on a small lure with small hooks and a light drag...I should know better. I let it go the first time and it came back up to the surface on its belly..Grabbed the fish again and started the trolling motor. Swam it along for about 100yards on 1-2 speed making sure its head stayed forward in the water with my other hand. Stopped and tried to release her again..She made an attempt at going deep but once again came up on her belly...By this time I was in panic mode but grabbed the fish and turned back on the trolling motor. At the same time I ran my hand under its belly from tail to head and bubbles/air started coming out. After 200 yards of swimming her through the water I stopped and attempted to release her again. She swam off and stayed at the surface, but was upright..We must of made to much of a commotion because a DNR warden pulled up as we were watching the fish. We stood and talked to the warden for about a half hour all the while watching the fish who was just chillin at the top. The fish made 3 attempts at going deep and all three times she came back up to the top, but was able to right herself.. 15 minutes after the warden took off she made one final attempt at deep water and after 15 minutes of waiting, a quick sweep of the area and no mukies floating we figured that she was gonna make it..
A Water release is always the best scenario under these conditions..
Pray for a cold front!!!
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Posts: 221
Location: ohio | I agree with you, last sunday,water temp was 82 also at 7:30am, fished to about 11 and decided to hang it up,
headed to lake erie friday night, gonna try walleye and steelhead . |
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| I see you said you were cancelling your fishing now.....smart move....
it's going to hot in southern WI for quite some time to come....not good to even target them really if you ask me....
it will be september before we know it.... |
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Posts: 295
Location: mad chain | I agree......leave them alone till the temps fall, it may be a week or it my be a month but its up to us to protect these warm water fish. |
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Posts: 32955
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Water temps on crescent ion Oneida last night were at 81. I'm chasing pannies and salmon for awhile, I guess. |
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| Fished Mille Lacs this past weekend and the water temps were 78 to 80 degrees. Caught a 41" ski and tried for 45 minutes to revive it to no avail. My question or observation is with the temps on the rise or staying in the 90's, how can anyone ethically fish for muskies with these water temps ?? How much money do you guides need to make while possibly destroying the fishery ?? How many muskies must die while the muskie zealots try for a larger fish than last time ?? There's a tournament in 2 1/2weeks, has an event ever been cancelled due to the water temps and stress on the fish ?? There a tournament in 3 weeks on Cass, how many more muskies will die from the stress ??. How much money will be put back into stocking of these 2 lakes from all the muskies that will die from stress ?? The DNR, Muskies Inc, Paul Hartman, etc have done an excellent job in stocking and managing of the Muskies. Won't we be taking a step backward if ALL of us don't realize what impact we may be having on the Muskie population. Shouldn't ALL the guides and tournament suspend the fishing of Muskies until the water temps get lower ??? We have the goose that lays golden eggs and were about to maim or kill her. - - - - Brian |
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Posts: 1636
| If you add up all the fish that die from high water temps/stress, I doubt it will come anywhere close to the amount of fish that die the entire year for other reasons. (naturally, simple stress, hooked deep/gills, bad handling, stringer rope, people cutting them in two, etc.)
Capt Bri, did you not fish and catch a muskie in somewhat high water temps? I wouldn't be so quick to question ethics of others. Fish die. You can do your part and not fish during high water temps or simply not fish at all.
I'm not all for fishing when the water temps get ridiculously high, but sometimes you have a tough decision to make. People like me or you that spend a lot of money on gas, food, and shelter to catch a fish or two... or a guide that has to put food in his mouth to survive.
I don't think it is going to put a dent in the fishery. Look at it now compared to what it use to be...and I think people have better ethics now than in the past. Just my opinion.
Edited by Reelwise 8/1/2007 6:15 PM
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Posts: 1636
| Quick question.
What are your thoughts on fishing for muskies in extremely clear water when the water temps get in the low 80's? Me and a friend were thinking about fishing, but it would be at night when it got cooler and water temps hopefully dropping...not during the day light hours.
Thanks!
Edited by Reelwise 8/1/2007 6:34 PM
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Posts: 221
Location: ohio | To be honest, we were out at 7:30am and the water was still 82, I honestly dont think it matters if it is night or day, the water is the same temp.JMHO. |
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Posts: 299
Location: Nowheresville, MN | Water temperatures do not plummet and DO does not skyrocket like a light switch when the sun goes down...
Subsurface temps ( i.e. 6-10') do not mimic those of surface temps as water warms; Same is true for cooling water. To put it plainly, fishing at night does not solve anything.
Think about this, this should hit home. When we stock fish, be it trout or walleye or fry, we must temper the water the fish are transfered in to within 5 degrees of the receiving water. If not, you can see the fish die within minutes and convulse. Ever buy shiners from the bait store and drop one down an ice hole before the bait water gets cold? Dead! Same principle. Now here's the punch line, fish go deep during summer to seek cold refuge right (playing devils advocate here)? So John Doe goes and counts down a pounder to deeper colder water. Catches one and releases it in much warmer surface water. Is the water temp difference the same principle as stocking fish?... I suspect so.
Edited by tfootstalker 8/1/2007 6:49 PM
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Posts: 1636
| I have seen temps go from 75 to 81 from 7am-noon. Wasn't a very cool night either. I do know it doesn't cool down very fast as the sun goes down in the evening since the air temp doesn't drop much. Thanks for your input.
Edited by Reelwise 8/1/2007 6:51 PM
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Posts: 299
Location: Nowheresville, MN | Again, surface temp. I'm also guessing it may have been early in the year When the subsurface temps were cool. Therfore at night when solar radiation stopped, the cooler water below the surface rapidly cooled the thin layer that warms fast in spring. The subsurface temps now mimic those of surface and there is not a large gradient to result in rapid cooling. I just did a profile of Independence last week that illustrates the similarity of water temperatures in the upper water column.. I'll try and get it up if I have some time. |
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Posts: 1636
| Actually it was no more than 3 weeks ago.
You would think a murky, dirty body of water is much worse than a clear, clean lake. Do you think clearer, cleaner water makes a difference when the temps are high or does it not matter? |
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Posts: 299
Location: Nowheresville, MN | Perhaps. Dark water certainly will warm quicker and get hotter, but light penetration is less so the insane temps should be not reach as deep. This is a generalization and many factors come into play. Also because of the murky water the thermocline is higher so sufficient DO does not get too deep. Light can penetrate clear water better so the warmer water should extend deeper. The thermocline will also be deeper so there is more oxygen in the truly deep cool water. But, most clear lakes are usually large and deep which also lends to cooler water. Clear as mud? I think I just confused myself.
One still can not ignore the scenario I described above about temp shock. Heck if anything, the clearer "cooler" water would be worse in that scenario. |
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Posts: 3242
Location: Racine, Wi | I'm having fun fishing for salmon.  |
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Posts: 227
Location: Southeast Wisconsin | Actually, it was only 3 days ago that I was getting differing temps in the AM and PM and fishing was safe. It only takes a day or two for it to get to "that point"..with all the hot weather we've had the water temps arent coming down at night and therefore its only slightly (No sun beating down) safer to fish at night.
Trips are rescheduled..One guy was pissed and just couldnt understand why I was rescheduling. The more I tried to explain it to him the more confused he got and decided not to reschedule.Thats OK because I would rather not fish with that type of person anyways..Its takes 5-8 years to grow a quality fish and only one minute to kill it..Its not worth it.
Although it may be safe in some areas to fish its not safe by me.Thats my opinion. No, it probably wont put a dent in the population if a few die due to warm water temps, but thats not what its all about.
When I choose to become a full time guide I realized that there was going to be times that I was going to loose money on account of the weather, whether it be lightning or warm water temps. if you cant afford to take a few days off here and there than you probably should have a part time job to rely on.
I understand people have trips planned or only get a few days a year to fish and theres going to be people out fishing for them no matter what...It just wont be me. fewer people out there pressuring them right now the better. |
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Posts: 512
Location: Appleton | Personally I'm glad you made the decision to stop fishing. I was out the other day for the last time until a front comes through. I don't think Ben's original post was to make us decide right or wrong if we should fish just to inform us of the warm water temps and warn of the dangers. Everyone has to make a decision during this time. Hopefully we make one that is for the better of the fish. Best of luck when you return to the water. |
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Posts: 1767
Location: Lake Country, Wisconsin | While I totally respect anyone's decision to not fish in hot weather, and actually applaud it, I don't think it is fair to jump down other people's throats if they do not follow your lead. I'm sure there are plenty of Musky guides needing that income to get by. Is it fair to tell them that when it is time to pay the mortgage or pay for their kids expenses that they need to cancel a week's worth of income because it is too hot? I sure don't think so. If they can afford it, sure then, why not. Who are you to say that they can? last I checked the musky season is short, if this is how these guys make a living then maybe they need it.
Also as mentioned above, if Joe Scmho has one week and one week only a year to get up there and fish, is it fair to tell him he can't because YOU have the luxury of picking times when it is ok to fish because of where you live? This is really only intended for the one over the top response, not the rest of you listed above, but when people ATTACK others on this subject it really irks me and I think it is an example of what can give some musky guys a bad repuatation. |
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Posts: 1636
| Trip for the weekend is canceled. I would have been all go for night fishing, but the lows aren't even getting low... and my partner was 100 percent sure he did not want to go for a good reason. Its too bad he will be babysitting a poodle instead of catching muskies 
I'm kinda looking forward to Bass fishing this weekend. It's been a while |
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Posts: 227
Location: Southeast Wisconsin | Brian,
No offense but the only one whos jumped down anyones throat so far is you..Not to mention your beating a dead horse. Read back tough my posts. All I said is what IM doing. Personally, I dont know any full-time guides with families that dont also have a part time job. Bottom line is that guiding is a weather sensitive business and not guiding during periods of extended heat is all part of the job..
Sorry if i offended you with my original post. |
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Posts: 2361
| Brian,
I think it says a lot to other fisherman, when a guide puts his income in front of the resource that supports him. He is ripping off the group that hires him(fishermen) with his questionable ethics, and his example. We have a few of those down in KY, and I have heard that poor starving children argument before. Perhaps a steady job might be a wiser course as a parent. It is of course legal, and they are "entitled", as are so many in the country today. I believe hot water fishing to be exploitation pure and simple, for various reason we all are familiar with. That is my opinion, and doubt that it will change until there is substantial proof to contradict the substantial proof, over several warm water species, that warm temperatures clearly impact survival after sport angling.
Exploitation and "me firstednes" seems to be the way of fisheries all over the world, usually works real good, right up until they collapse.
There is only so much pie, shame to waste some of it.
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Posts: 734
Location: Watertown, MN | Fished Mille Lacs this past weekend and the water temps were 78 to 80 degrees. Caught a 41" ski and tried for 45 minutes to revive it to no avail. My question or observation is with the temps on the rise or staying in the 90's, how can anyone ethically fish for muskies with these water temps ?? How much money do you guides need to make while possibly destroying the fishery ?? How many muskies must die while the muskie zealots try for a larger fish than last time ?? There's a tournament in 2 1/2weeks, has an event ever been cancelled due to the water temps and stress on the fish ?? There a tournament in 3 weeks on Cass, how many more muskies will die from the stress ??. How much money will be put back into stocking of these 2 lakes from all the muskies that will die from stress ?? The DNR, Muskies Inc, Paul Hartman, etc have done an excellent job in stocking and managing of the Muskies. Won't we be taking a step backward if ALL of us don't realize what impact we may be having on the Muskie population. Shouldn't ALL the guides and tournament suspend the fishing of Muskies until the water temps get lower ??? We have the goose that lays golden eggs and were about to maim or kill her. - - - - Brian
Brian
If am understanding your post it is okay for you and other anglers to fish muskies in warm water temps (Shouldn't ALL the guides and tournament suspend the fishing of Muskies until the water temps get lower ???). What is the difference between you and them? Anyone fishing in these warm water temps are taking the risk of hurting the fish with delayed mortality. We went over this in MN at the MMA this winter, you can't just call out the Tournaments and Guides. I applaud Ben and other guide that stay of the water and cancel trip due to warm water conditions, if temps stay up I will park the boat until temps come down. You can stop the guides and tournaments but I would put a my boat that there will still be hundreds of guys out there pounding the water. I just heard that some guides were complaining about a tournament that was held a few weeks ago that was held when water temps were up, but yet they were still out guiding. Kind of hippocritical!!! Should the DNR close the season when temp hit 80? How do you think that would go over. Its your choice to fish or not, and what damage to the resources.
Troyz
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| funny how much finger pointing goes on when temps get high...guides complain about tourneys, weekend warriors complain about guides, locals complain about everything...
if you just have to fish with temps at 80 degree's at least release the fish asap, don't overfight the fish, don't get a pic out of the water etc...personally I am not fishing in Madison and won't until we get a nice cold front to come thru...those that do are taking the chance at killing fish, plain and simple...let's all just do the right thing and keep fishing to a minimum and if we have to fish for whatever reason, work, trip planned etc..just take the required steps to give the fish the best chance it has....
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| Yes, I'm not fishing until probably Sept until the water cools. I was leery about fishing anyway due to temps by this cinches it. I guess I was selfish and wanted to fish so I'll take the heat so to speak. I commend Ben K for suspending his guiding trips, good for you !! Hopefully, the majority of other muskie fisherman/guides will have the same ideas - - - -Brian |
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Posts: 93
Location: Minneapolis, MN | Does Muskies Inc have any guidelines on this? |
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Posts: 734
Location: Watertown, MN | STinger,
Muskie inc does not have a guideline, that have ad in the magazine about warm water mortality, but no set guidelines.
Troyz |
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| Muskies Inc is not a governing authority. This subject should be left to the biology officials, which in IN and IL will tell you to keep fishing. |
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Posts: 1316
Location: Lebanon,Mo | water temp down here hit 85*.....we dont fish for muskies down here from about july 4th to the first part of sept.air temp will be in the upper nineties this week and next. i was able to get my new boat out last week to try things out and the water was very warm. i hope everyone else knows how deadly these temps can be...... |
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Posts: 468
Location: Not where I wanna be! | im all about conserving the resource....
i dont understand all that goes into the guiding side of it, but for me its too dam hot as it is, especially in iowa where the water temps are hovering near 90 in most waters.....
so i sit in my air conditioned office and read musky forums....
i support the stand to leave the fish till cooler temps.....that is responsible and i commend that! |
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In MN, "biology officials", who in my opinion have much, much more experience with muskies than in IL or IN, will tell you not to fish for muskies during extended periods of hot weather like we are seeing now.
Obviously everyone has to make thier own choice in this matter.
Become informed and make whatever choice suits you and your reasons for fishing.
I won't fish in hot water for the obvious reasons that have been stated over and over by top biologists in MN, and by many informed ,concerned anglers on the ineternet and in magazines.
JS |
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Posts: 32955
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Again, Mr. Skarie says it well and is dead center on. |
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Posts: 2384
Location: On the X that marks the mucky spot | Musky Brian - 8/1/2007 9:41 PM
Also as mentioned above, if Joe Scmho has one week and one week only a year to get up there and fish, is it fair to tell him he can't because YOU have the luxury of picking times when it is ok to fish because of where you live?
Sorry Brian but this one REALLY got to me as someone who puts in a TON of time on the MN resource. Is it "fair" to the rest of the residents of any area when some "Schmo" comes up to MN/WI to fish when water temps can dramatically decrease the chance of a successful release and damage the resource? It irks me sometimes when people from OH, IL, WI and so one come to MN because their home waters are "too hot" when ours are the exact same temp. Even more-so when they come to our brood stock lakes, the lakes that many of these other states depend on for their stocking programs.
People say that "it's my vacation" or "I can't affect the weather". Well anyone who's been fishing for 1 season can tell you that water temps get hot at the end of July though August. That happens every year. Plan around it if you're at all concerned about water temps. In fact you'll find that the availability of cabins and the price of those cabins are usually more favorable if you do plan around July-August.
I'm not trying to tell anyone what they can and can't do, but don't try to rationalize and make excuses for it. If that's the C&R ethics someone has, then that's the ethics they have. Bottom line is that people have to use their head. |
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Posts: 203
| Amen, Ben are you ready to get out and do some salmon fishing or what?
bret |
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Posts: 7113
Location: Northwest Chicago Burbs | Chase salmon!
Chase bass!
Chase catfish or bluegills!
It's bad for the muskies to varying degrees, depending on your view on the issue.
We've hashed and re-hashed this issue a few times already this summer, and every summer for the last 7 years. |
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Posts: 32955
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Agreed, this one has been beaten nearly to death a couple times this summer already.
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