Q&AWater temperature · Indiana
Is Lake Monroe turning over? What 53°F water means
Short answers to the questions that decide a trip to Lake Monroe this week.
Surface water on Lake Monroe is down about 8°F in 11 days, to 53°F. Here is what that means for a trip, question by question.
How cold is Lake Monroe right now?
About 53°F at the surface on the latest clear reading (a few days ago), about 8°F cooler than 11 days earlier. Shallow coves can run a few degrees off that on sunny afternoons.
Is Lake Monroe turning over?
It is close. Deep lakes turn over when the surface cools into the 50s and becomes as dense as the water below, so the whole lake mixes. At 53°F, Lake Monroe is in that zone. Expect stained water and scattered fish for a few days, then a strong fall bite. Shallow flats and creek backs clear first.
What's biting on Lake Monroe?
Expect largemouth bass on Lake Monroe to be hit or miss. In the 50s bass still feed, but in shorter bursts, often on sunny afternoons when the shallows warm a little. Crappie here are catchable with patience. In the 50s crappie school on deeper brush piles and creek channel edges.
Where should I start?
On Lake Monroe, start at the wind-blown bank marked on the map, fishing 4 to 16 ft. Today's northwest wind pushes bait into this bank across open water. It suits white bass and largemouth bass; try small swimbait or spinner, follow the birds.
When is the best time to fish Lake Monroe this week?
Friday rates good for the bite, best 4:00 pm to 5:15 pm. Dawn and dusk are the most reliable hours any day.
What is the level doing?
The level reads 537.5 ft, 0.1 ft lower than a week ago and 0.3 ft down over 29 days. That puts it 0.5 ft above the usual level for this time of year. A steady level keeps fish on familiar spots, so what worked last week should still be close.
How deep is Lake Monroe?
Around 60 ft at its deepest; it covers about 10,800 acres at full pool.
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