Lake McConaughy warms 5°F in 11 days to 52°F: where the fish are moving

How fast the water changed

The latest reading is 52°F, taken a few days ago. Each point on the chart is a clear-sky reading of the surface; cloudy days leave gaps, so the line connects the readings we have.

5°F in 11 days changes how often fish eat and how deep they sit.

With about 35,700 acres at full pool, Lake McConaughy is a lot of water to cover. At its deepest the lake reaches around 140 ft. Anglers come to Lake McConaughy for walleye, striped bass and trout. A lake this deep warms slowly, so a climb of several degrees is a real signal, not noise.

Where the season stands

Where does November leave a lake like Lake McConaughy? Late fall in the North is the last open-water stretch. Fish gather on deeper structure, the bite gets slower and the weather gets less forgiving. On Lake McConaughy at 52°F, walleye and striped bass fit that pattern best.

What the change means for each species

The map shows how the surface temperature varies across the lake on the latest clear reading; warmer pockets tend to hold bait.

On Lake McConaughy, walleye are in a good mood. Cool water is walleye weather: the bite is strong at dusk and after dark. Low light is best, on reefs and weed edges.

Striped bass and white bass on Lake McConaughy are in their comfort zone. Stripers and white bass chase shad hard as the water cools, often busting bait at the surface. Watch for birds and surface feeding. A slow spoon works.

Trout are a strong bet. Trout are comfortable in the 50s and cruise shallow, so shore anglers get their best shot. Near the surface and along shorelines.

A spot to start

The marked spot on Lake McConaughy is a point drop-off that covers 10 to 24 ft. The bottom falls away fast off this point; fish rest deep and move up the slope to feed. Expect trout and walleye there; try spinner or spoon, troll slowly. The best window there is 1:15 pm to 5:15 pm. Down at that depth the water is about 46°F, against 47°F on top.

On a warming lake, fish the shallow end of that range in the afternoon.

DamDeepest water N 3 miles

20406080100Depth, ft Free spot todayPlace to stay

See this spot in 3-D

Making it work on the water

• Set your depth for 52°F water: The surface is 52°F (a few days ago). Work the middle of the range early, then follow the fish shallower as the sun warms the water.
• Tie on the right bait: At this spot, try spinner or spoon, troll slowly. Walleye: low light is best, on reefs and weed edges.
• Work the edge, not the middle: Slow everything down: long pauses, light line, small baits. Most bites come as the bait sits still. Position the boat in deep water and cast up onto the shallow side, so your bait falls down the slope the way fish face.
• Use the wind, carefully: Friday brings wind from the southeast with gusts near 20 mph: bait stacks up on the southeast side, and fish follow. Small boats should stay in sheltered water when gusts top 20 mph.

Know the water

Lake McConaughy spreads over about 35,700 acres at full pool. At its deepest the lake reaches around 140 ft. Walleye, striped bass and trout are what most anglers on Lake McConaughy are after. Knowing which fish are comfortable at today's temperature narrows a big lake down to a few good spots.

What the next days bring

Thursday has the gentlest weather: wind around 5 mph, sunny, topping out near 59°F. The wind builds to its strongest on Saturday, out of the southeast at 20 mph. Highs slide from about 59°F to 47°F over the stretch, so dress in layers for the early start.

Circle Thursday, Sunday and Monday on the calendar: 4 of the next 7 days rate good or better. On Thursday the strongest window runs 1:15 pm to 5:15 pm, and on Friday 2:45 pm to 4:30 pm. A good bite rating does not calm the water: on Friday and Saturday, fish the sheltered side and skip long open crossings.