Overview:
As the seasons change, lakes and ponds "turn over" when cold air cools the top layer of water, causing it to sink and displacing the bottom layer of water. This natural process is essential for a healthy ecosystem and can result in a sudden shift in water quality and oxygen levels, as well as visible debris and an almond-like odor. Fall fishing is often very good during this time, and while upland bird season is ending, deer hunting season is approaching. Hunters are preparing by getting their guns sighted in and using trail cameras to gather intel on deer movements.
Summer is over! If you doubted that at all, the cold temps coupled with strong winds we experienced over the past week should have convinced you.
There are a lot of changes in our environment as the seasons change and leaves turn color and fall and the view of the outdoors changes. Another natural change occurs when our lakes and ponds “turn over,” and that fascinating phenomenon is remarkable.
A lake turning over is when the stratified layers of water mix. This occurs because water is most dense at 39 degrees Fahrenheit. When the cold air of fall cools the top layer of water, it literally sinks to the bottom. This displaces the bottom layer of water and results in that bottom layer rising to the top of the water column. This results in a sudden shift in water quality and oxygen levels, and is often visible as debris from the bottom floats to the surface. Many also describe an odor that is “almond-like.” This natural process is essential for a healthy ecosystem in the long run.
As air temperatures cool in the fall, the epilimnion layer on the surface of lakes and ponds cools and this cooler water becomes denser and eventually sinks, disrupting the stratification. When the surface water reaches approximately the same temperature as the deeper water – around 38 degrees Fahrenheit or 4 degrees Celsius, the temperature of maximum density for water – the lake becomes isothermal. This uniform temperature profile allows even a gentle breeze to mix the entire water column, initiating the turnover.
In the spring, a similar process occurs. As the ice melts, the surface water warms to 39 F/4 C, causing it to sink, initiating spring turnover. However, the temperature differences are often less pronounced in the spring compared to the fall, so the turnover may be less complete.
Fall fishing is often very good at this time because the water temps and shorter days trigger fish to feed in preparation for winter. Local trout ponds are stocked, bass are prowling around, so if you are interested, grab your fishing gear!
Meanwhile, this writer is sadly facing the end of upland bird season. Woodcock season ends tomorrow and most of the local ‘timberdoodles” have migrated and “flight birds” from the north have mostly moved through as well. However, my two French Brittany bird dogs did find a number of woodcock in the southern Berkshires during Friday and Monday trips.
The snow that covered the ground and the cold, howling wind did make Monday a challenge. The years have taught me that once it gets cold, woodcock will go to places where they can find seeps – wet areas where they can still probe with their specialized bills to find earthworms for food, even with snow cover.
For me, the end of bird season triggers sadness. The dogs, as usual, are at the top of their game at the end of fall’s hunting and in top physical condition, as is their master. The regular jaunts through the brush are great for my physical and mental health and charges my battery with positive energy like nothing else.
The upcoming shotgun and black powder deer seasons do provide some diversion, as the group of hunters that join together for deer hunting are great to spend time with, and pursuing the “wary whitetail” is a worthy undertaking, with the benefit of venison to enjoy long after the season ends.
When bow hunting was part of my life, it provided great scouting information, as time spent hunting with a bow resulted in a chance to read “sign” of deer activity. Today, the use of trail cameras is how many hunters gather intel on deer movements and the more you know about this, the better chance you have of being in the right place at the right time. Maybe a few strolls in the woods next week will get me focused on whitetails.
On impulse, a click of the cell phone after seeing a promo led to ordering a “pop-up” portable blind. TideWe makes a product that gets great reviews. Their blinds are made of a material that allows the hunter inside to see through it and yet be unseen from outside by game. We will see if there is a spot for it during deer hunting season and it also might be a real plus for turkey hunting. So we will give it a try and after all, a guy can’t have too many toys, right?
Job one is getting the guns sighted in and hopefully the Winchester SuperX4 20-gauge slug gun will get a chance this year. There is still the matter of what to do with the Remington 1100 slug gun that was put together over time with an adjustable Timney trigger, Hastings rifled barrel and Zeiss scope. My original plan was to sell it because it is really a very accurate slug gun, but it still sits in the gun safe because selling off the parts was the first option.
Hunting season is in full swing so enjoy it while it lasts!
Mike Roche is a retired teacher who has been involved in conservation and wildlife issues his entire life. He has written the Sportsman’s Corner since 1984 and has served as advisor to the Mahar Fish’N Game Club, counselor and director of the Massachusetts Conservation Camp, former Connecticut Valley District representative on the Massachusetts Fisheries and Wildlife Board, a Massachusetts Hunter Education Instructor and is a licensed New York hunting guide. He can be reached at mikeroche3@msn.com.