Salmon - Recent Ocean Temp Patterns

Here's a comparison of Cen Cal ocean temps over the last 3 weeks showing development of upwelling/cold water off Sonoma/Mendo coast in front of the salmon opener.  Also checkout SF Bay.  Will be interesting to watch as the season develops.  Figures from TempBreak.com - 8 day composite from 3/12/14 and 3/30/14.

Very cool! Thanks for posting this.


Now, I have some questions.

Can someone post a reply or an article that concisely explains how to use water temperature to increase my odds of catching a salmon? How it affects planton, algae, and baitfish? At what temperatures salmon feed at? Do some temperatures favor mooching or trolling?

Thanks in advance,

Don

Don,

This page is geared toward our northern brethren, but it's a WEALTH of information about salmon fishing. I have learned a lot reading these articles. I think I recall one saying that salmon will try to avoid waters in the mid to high 50's. Late season last year, the water was pretty warm, and it seemed like some of the fish were hugging the bottom to stay in cooler temps.

http://www.salmonuniversity.com

The upwelling not only brings nutrient rich water up toward the surface, but also cools the upper water column, allowing the salmon to feel comfortable hanging out nearer to the surface.

That's how I understand it anyway. Experts please chime in.