Frigid water allows fish to chill
Winter is upon us. And during this time of year, many animals seek shelter from the bitter cold by burrowing, nesting, or seeking protection in nooks and crannies.
Fish, on the other hand, survive frigid weather in an entirely unique way. They are cold-blooded creatures, meaning that their body temperature is regulated by the water temperature. As temperature rises, so does their core temperature–increasing their activity level. As waters cool, the fish’s body temperature falls, slowing their metabolism. They become less active. In this restful state, their respiration, food consumption and digestion slow, allowing them to survive in open waters beneath ice-covered lakes.
What fish eat
After fish eggs hatch, they are called larvae, and a small sac attached to them provides nutrition. As the young fish grow, their mouths begin to develop, and they no longer rely on the egg sac as a food source. This is known as the fry stage.
The fry begin to feed on their own—eating small creatures like tiny crustaceans or zooplankton (floating organisms so small they are not visible to the naked eye). When fish get a little bigger, they begin to eat insects, plants, larvae, grasshoppers, smaller fish, worms, frogs, crayfish and leeches.
Fish are either active (hungry) feeders, neutral (not hunting but will feed), or inactive (not hungry), but most fish will not pass up an easy meal. When fish are actively feeding, they are easier to catch. Their feeding area and the distance they will travel for a meal has a wide range—several feet or more. Fish will move away from the security of shelter, like downed trees, rocks and grass, and will swim into open water in order to feed.
The area directly in front of a fish and the areas to the left and right of its snout are prime hunting areas. They also see objects well above their head and slightly below it.
When fish are in a neutral state, they are not actively hunting, but they will feed if the opportunity presents itself, like if a vulnerable prey moves into the area. When fish are in an inactive state, they are not in the mood to eat so your bait must be near enough, perhaps even right in their face, to draw a strike.
Fish feed for different reasons. If an easy meal is presented, chances are they will eat it. After feeding, chances are they will not feed again while digesting their food.
Water temperature can also affect fish feeding patterns. Generally, their metabolism slows in the winter when water temperatures drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Because they do not use a lot of energy, they do not need to eat as much.
As the water warms to 65 degrees Fahrenheit and above, fish become more active. They require more food and may expand their feeding area. You may think fish would eat more in the summer when the water is warmest, but this is not always the case. During summer months, the water may become too warm for some fish, and they may slow down and move deeper, seeking cooler water.
Feeding tends to increase again in the fall as they prepare for a long, cold winter and their metabolism slows down.
Fish that rely on their sight for food are affected by water clarity and light. If a fish is sensitive to bright light, it may prefer to feed in less clear water or in the early morning and evening.
About Hooked
“Hooked” is a new comic strip based on characters taken from the book “Learn To Fish, A Step-By-Step Guide For Beginning Anglers.” It features a multicultural cast of teens who love to fish and decide to form a fishing club in Cleveland. See “Hooked” monthly right here on the Signal Cleveland website produced in partnership with Dennis James Knowles and Gail Ann Grizzell of Cleveland’s The Fishing Foundation.
Ohio does not require those under 16 to have a fishing license. Read more on Ohio fishing laws here.
