Wind factor

Hello,

Looking at getting boat out next Saturday and doing some fishing Sunday. Looking at the long range forecast for the wind. Its showing 22 kmh winds. How much of a factor will this have on the lake.

I have a 16 ft smokercraft with a 60 hp on it, 55 lbs thrust 12 volt trolling motor. Just wanna make sure it wont be to bad.

Any info would be great.

Thanks,

It depends on the wind direction and what side of the lake you will be fishing. 20km winds blowing from shore or into shore makes a huge difference.

I'm pretty sure that depends on the lake.
I know Simcoe & Nipissing can get real ugly fast, while some lakes have irregular shore lines, minimal large open water areas, as well as islands and bays for protection from the wind.
I've just bought a new 17' boat with a 115 h.p., but I always check the wind on large open water lakes, like the two lakes mentioned above.
Just my opinion.

Good Luck,

Cheers,

Looks like blowing north. Thinking of launching on cooks bay

Hoping to head out on Simcoe

I just looked at Windfinder forecast for next Saturday.

Strong and gusty NW winds.

I have a 16ft Legend, and you woudn't find me out in those winds.

SDC

Sorry you would or wouldn't go out in it?

The wind forecast is the most important part of planning your day out in a boat if your not comfortable or you have to ask others maybe you should stay off the water and wait for a better day

The main question was how does the wind affect the lake. That is planning my day isnt it?

Well said.

It's very general question to answer as it depends on many factors besides the size of your boat.

I fished in 20k winds on Simcoe in 16 foot boat with 50 HP many times but you have to gain some experience before doing that and have a strong trolling motor to hold you in place .

if you not feel comfortable , fish some smaller lakes first to gain more experience and learn your boat capabilities before venturing into a bigger lake like Simcoe, especially that early in the season when the water is still very cold.

North blowing wind on Cooks bay = unpleasant fishing experience , as a minimum.

I would go to fish the southern shore of Snake or Georgina island , if I have to fish Simcoe that day

Well said.

It's very general question to answer as it depends on many factors besides the size of your boat.

I fished in 20k winds on Simcoe in 16 foot boat with 50 HP many times but you have to gain some experience before doing that and have a strong trolling motor to hold you in place .

if you not feel comfortable , fish some smaller lakes first to gain more experience and learn your boat capabilities before venturing into a bigger lake like Simcoe, especially that early in the season when the water is still very cold.

Fair enough. I keep my boat on chemong. It is not as large as simcoe. I feel comfortable in most weather. I was more curious on the affect the wind will have on the lake.

The drive is over an hr for me. So it was more to gather info on making the trip up and what to expect.

Thanks for the information provided.

I had the same trolling motor as yours (55 lb, 12V) and when I switched to 80 lb 24V trolling motor about three years ago , it made a HUGE difference in my fishing comfort and opportunities so now I can fish in 25-35K winds on smaller lakes with no problem.

I had the same trolling motor as yours (55 lb, 12V) and when I switched to 80 lb 24V trolling motor about three years ago , it made a HUGE difference in my fishing comfort and opportunities so now I can fish in 25-35K winds on smaller lakes with no problem.

The upgrade trolling motor is something I have considered for some time. It will be something I address in the future.

Well said.

It's very general question to answer as it depends on many factors besides the size of your boat.

I fished in 20k winds on Simcoe in 16 foot boat with 50 HP many times but you have to gain some experience before doing that and have a strong trolling motor to hold you in place .

if you not feel comfortable , fish some smaller lakes first to gain more experience and learn your boat capabilities before venturing into a bigger lake like Simcoe, especially that early in the season when the water is still very cold.

Fair enough. I keep my boat on chemong. It is not as large as simcoe. I feel comfortable in most weather. I was more curious on the affect the wind will have on the lake.

The drive is over an hr for me. So it was more to gather info on making the trip up and what to expect.

Thanks for the information provided.

The size of a wave depends on three main factors; the wind strength, the length of water surface where the wind is blowing and the depth of the water.

As a general rule of thumb: the stronger the wind, the larger the area and the shallow the water - the larger the wave.

This will dictate where on Simcoe the waves would be the smallest in any particular day.

This was in reference to your question:
"The main question was how does the wind affect the lake. That is planning my day isnt it?"