Thermoclines

Stable water and weather conditions create productive thermoclines. These can be located with the use of a good depth sounder in either the deeper parts of the littoral zone, or over a lakes pelagic zone. Bass and baitfish are often found in large numbers within or very near thermoclines because this is where physical water properties and conditions like oxygen P.H. and temperature are most hospitable.

Many of the lakes in South East Queensland may only stratify significantly over the summer seasons when stable weather conditions prevail for extended periods. Lake stratification is affected by seasonal weather patterns and by any influx of water eg; rainwater, or flooding in a catchment. Most lake systems undergo this cycle of stratification, alternating with mixing and lake turnover. Under suitable conditions many warm water lakes may even be permanently stratified in parts.