Ice or warmer weather

[SpencerT]

I don't really know too much about ice fishing, but is catching a fish easier in either of the two climates of cold and warm? Does it really matter what time of year you fish as to what your luck is of catching something good? What about fishing from a dock when it's cold, but the lake isn't frozen over?

[dinosaur]

The big difference is that ice fishing requires you find the fish. This is true in warm weather also but much easier to accomplish. If you spud a hole in the ice it restricts your range and the colder the water, the more lethargic the fish will be. They won't swim very far after the bait and much slower than in warm water.

[ppine]

Each species of fish has a distinct temperature range that they seek out. They also need dissolved oxygen and a food source. Lakes change temp constantly and are sometimes stratified.

This Sat I fished Pyramid Lake, NV and the surface temp was 51 degrees F which trout like. My friend caught a 25 inch Lahontan Cutthroat Trout about 5 pounds. My largest was 21 inches. Several were in the 18 inch range.

[Lefty]

There are SO many variables to consider when fishing. The outside air temperature affects the water temperature, of course, but that is just the beginning.