Arizona Lake Fishing

weed line – Abrupt edge of an aquatic weed-bed caused by a change in depth, bottom type, or other factor.

turnover – In Arizona’s warm water lakes, a turnover is typically experienced in the fall and is a phenomenon associated with thermoclines. In this case, the warmer layer of water at the surface cools down, and becomes colder than or as cold as the distinct layer of cold water below. The result is that the two layers of water mix, eliminating the thermocline and creating a fairly uniform water temperature and perhaps introducing oxygen to the lower levels of the lake. This fall turnover action can result in bottom sediments nutrients being stirred up by the water movement, sometimes stimulating algal growth. The fall turnover typically signals the transition to winter fishing conditions.

freshwater – A term referring to bodies of water that do not have salt.

filamentous algae – Type of algae characterized by long chains of attached cells that give it a stringy feel and appearance.

dissolved oxygen – The amount of free (usable) oxygen in water. Usually designated in parts per million.

depthfinder, depth recorder, or depth sounder – A sonar device used to read the bottom structure, determine depth, and in some cases actually locate fish. Also called a fishfinder.

deadfall – A tree that has fallen into the water.

crayfish or crawfish – A small crustacean found in freshwater. Crayfish are not native to Arizona. Also called crawdads.

cover – Natural or manmade objects on the bottom of lakes, rivers, or impoundments, especially those that influence fish behavior. Examples include stick-ups, tree lines, stumps, rocks, logs, pilings, docks, and weed patches.

cove – An indentation along a shoreline. A very small indentation a few feet or so across is often referred to as a “pocket cove.”