Dissolved oxygen and water temperature are two key factors that can significantly impact Walleye fishing On Bull Shoals Lake. Walleyes are a cold-water fish species that require specific environmental conditions to thrive. Understanding how these factors affect their behavior and movements can help anglers increase their chances of a successful catch.
Dissolved oxygen is one of the most critical factors that affect walleye fishing. Walleyes need oxygen-rich waters to survive, and their availability in Bull Shoals Lake can vary depending on the time of year and depth of the water. During the summer months, oxygen levels can drop to critical levels in deeper waters, which can make it difficult to find active walleyes. In contrast, during the spring and fall months, dissolved oxygen levels are generally higher, making it easier to locate and catch walleyes.
Water temperature is another crucial factor that can impact walleye fishing on Bull Shoals Lake. As a cold-water species, walleyes prefer cooler water temperatures that range between 55-65°F. In warmer waters, they become more lethargic and less active, making it harder to catch them. Conversely, when the water temperatures are colder, walleyes are more active, and they tend to move into shallower waters, making them more accessible to anglers.
The time of day can also impact the water temperature and dissolved oxygen levels, which, in turn, can affect walleye behavior. Generally, water temperatures and dissolved oxygen levels are highest during the early morning hours and late evening, making these times the best for walleye fishing. During the middle of the day, when water temperatures rise and dissolved oxygen levels drop, walleyes tend to retreat to deeper waters, making them more challenging to catch.
In summary, dissolved oxygen and water temperature are two key factors that can significantly impact Walleye Fishing On Bull Shoals Lake. To increase the chances of a successful catch, anglers should consider fishing during the spring and fall months when dissolved oxygen levels are higher. Additionally, fishing during the early morning and late evening, when water temperatures are cooler and dissolved oxygen levels are higher, can increase the likelihood of catching active walleyes. By understanding how these factors affect walleye behavior, anglers can optimize their fishing strategies and increase their chances of a successful catch.