Water temperature rising faster than normal

[itsbob]

Was listening to local weatherman several days ago here in Cleveland.He said that that lake Erie water temperature was 4 degrees higher than normal.I was assuming that was off our city by water intake.I don't get to fish much early,but read all the posts here and OGF.Been reading some temps western basin from 45 to 47 degrees and read post of guy getting quick limit trolling 1.7-2.0 mph.Those temps and speed are ahead of schedule considering we are in first week of April.That could mean the spoon/ harness bite would happen sooner than usual.Possibly before April ends.Guess depends on our upcoming weather.Another unusual occurance I have seen on pictures and reading posts is that as of yesterday,high percentage of females have not spawned yet.Think usually most females spawn before April starts.We have had a great run of walleye hatches.Possible high water level could be a factor in these great hatches.Water still is really high when drove to western basin 3wks ago.Stay safe.

[fisher_i_am]

Been out last several days

Most of the big girls are spawned out but the mid to low 20” inchers are still full

[Eyezcrazy]

Water temp yesterday was 47.5 all over the western basin. I have caught some females that were still carrying under-developed eggs.

[West Basin]

Remember the surface temperature does not equal the bottom temperature starting around this time of year. As warmer water enters from the Maumee River and the warm air temperatures warm up the upper surface waters, the water column starts forming thermoclines. Take a drop over thermometer with you and check the water temperature down the water column. As the currents move the various waters around the Western Basin, you can have different bottom and surface temps in the same place throughout the day. The colder water from the Detroit River or out deeper comes in and temps drop. Nearshore shallow warmer water moves out the temps rise. Bottom temperature is what matters to spawning walleye, not the surface temp. Plus new groups of walleye are arriving every day, so spawning usually takes place from late March to late April, depending on the year.

Lake Surface temperatures:
GLCFS Products

[itsbob]

Yes,west basin,was thinking that these higher temps were surface water.A big blow will mix that water.Will see how things progress.I usually look at the weather Bouy data once they have it.But that Bouy stopped giving water temp data near the end of summer last season.