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Clear weather kings -
A tough nut to crack.
Anglers have consistently fished temperature ranges from 55 to 50 degrees often being chased off the water by noon as the action slows during high light penetration periods of mid day.
Contrary to popular thinking kings LOVE COLD WATER! Temperatures in the 41 to 42 degree mark consistently out produce all other temperatures combined. This deep cold water program becomes even more essential during clear calm water conditions.
Experience shows that these active kings will move into warmer water to feed on Alewife their preferred prey. After early morning and late evening feeding sprees the king will head to deep cold water to await the next feed.
There are exceptions to the rule as always but as a rule of thumb Bright clear days fish DEEP!
I consistently run a line down at 75' plus during my steelhead excursions. I run the line with no stacker. When that designated rod releases I know it's a King.
Light Intensity
Light intensity and its penetration into the water column should be of prime importance. Water clarity has improved drastically in the last several years thanks to Zebra Mussels.
Time of day, light intensity and water conditions including turbidity and wave chop all must be taken in to account.
King salmon location (other than migrational or spawning patterns) in the vertical water column will reflect a combination of all these variables.
Mid day thunderstorms will clear the lake of fishermen, but those hardy enough to brave the adverse weather can often hit it big. Thunderstorms bring heavy seas and low light intensity which often triggers a feeding frenzy. During 99 one such storm came through Toronto and the boats scurried to port. We stayed as long as we could and landed several nice kings. The kings had moved over 40' in the water column and were feeding actively on
the abundant alewife schools.
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