Knapp: How learning to manage wind can lead to more fishing success
A quick trip to Keystone Power Dam, taken within the last week, exposed an environmental element that often plays a factor in fishing success.
Wind.
As I readied my boat that morning, the temperature was mild, the winds light. Earlier, a 3-mile walk of my dog, Bella, produced mild perspiration despite me wearing only a light T-shirt.
During the drive to Keystone along Route 422, however, flags and lightly leafed trees showed evidence of a building wind. Pulling into the Atwood access, I witnessed an angry-looking lake. A few minutes later, as I backed my boat away from the ramp, waves lapped over the transom, reminding me I should have donned a rain jacket.
The next hour and a half produced several largemouth bass. Foolishly, I’d underdressed. The gusting wind along with a 12-degree drop in air temperature made it an abbreviated outing. Which brings me to some thoughts regarding the wind.
First off, be prepared for it by dressing properly. Typically I do a better job, consulting the numerous weather apps that reside in my phone. But this was an impromptu trip, one taken after a week at Pymatuning Lake that featured more fishing than catching. So, I’ll offer mental fatigue as an excuse.
Preparation means more than wearing rain gear to shrug off the wind-driven spray of waves. It also means being mentally prepared. Wind can make tasks like boat control and knot tying a challenge. Being in the right frame of mind aids in reducing frustration.
Speaking of boat control, it’s almost always best to work into the wind rather than away from it when actually fishing. A mild wind can be helpful.
As you are fishing along a section of shoreline, for instance, a mild wind helps hold you in place after you’ve taken your foot off the trolling motor pedal. This way you can accurately creep along. Attempting the same section of shoreline with the wind to your back has the boat wanting to spin sideways or drifting beyond the targeted area. Exerting less effort with boat control allows more concentration with lure/bait presentation.
Wind can be an ally, increasing the activity level of fish. During the previously mentioned Pymatuning trip, I caught walleyes on days when the wind blew. And didn’t on the days when the lake remained calm. Wind, within reasonable limits, can fire up the food chain by making baitfish more vulnerable and reducing light penetration.
When strong winds persist to the extent of making fishing uncomfortable or even dangerous, one can make adjustments. In the case of safety, the obvious one is to not go, or to get off the water if conditions suggest so.
Barring safety considerations, though, you can fish the lee side of a lake, or protected bays or coves. Large islands can serve as windbreaks. Just bear in mind any open water you need to navigate to return to the ramp.
I recall a trip made over 30 years ago to the western basin of Lake Erie. Frank Hager and I fished the north side of Kelleys Island, somewhat oblivious to the building south wind. Come time to head in, we were welcomed with large waves when we turned the corner of the island’s protection. Fortunately I was able to take things head on, the waves shortening in height as we neared the mainland. Still, it’s a boat ride I vividly recall.
Choice of waterway is another consideration. Smaller protected lakes, like Crooked Creek Lake, which is surrounded by steep hillsides, is a better choice when the winds are brisk than one in flatter terrain like Arthur, Shenango or Pymatuning.
Wind is often a factor in fishing, particularly during the springtime when the weather is rarely stable for any great length of time. Dealing with it will have much to say about your level of success and enjoyment.
Jeff Knapp is an outdoors columnist for the Butler Eagle
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