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INTRODUCTION
Every year is different up here in the foothills and the weather or lack thereof each winter will have an effect on our reservoirs in the Mother Lode. This year, during the month of February, we received zero precipitation and the snowpack is currently well below-average.
This only means one thing; we can most likely expect the water levels to drop. With these conditions upon us and to come, here are some things to look forward to.
RISING WATER
First, let’s briefly talk about how the fish adjust to an increase in pool.
They generally will thrive when the water rises and will have a heightened sense of comfort, because they have a plentiful amount of space to feed and roam.
Plus, recently covered land, grass and vegetation will always have an appeal for feeding bass. These areas will have a higher level of nutrients and attract many other life forms. The fish become intrigued by this increase in viable feeding area and will often get into extremely shallow water and eagerly await the next meal.
FALLING WATER
Now, when the reverse situation happens, when they are losing real estate versus gaining it, they do respond differently. With less holding and feeding ground, their comfort level drops.
In addition, they are losing real estate and being forced to relocate on a regular basis making them much more unstable. A bass will find a level of security learning the intricacies of a piece of structure at any given depth. Using this structure to their advantage for shelter and ambush.
When the lake drops leaving this haven dry, it is no longer an option for survival, and they are forced to relocate and change their routine.
The fish rarely respond well to these conditions and will move towards deeper water. If the water continues to drop steadily for a long period of time, the bass will often get a few steps ahead and move to a location that they can hold awhile without being affected by the lowering levels.
A good rule of thumb is when the water comes up, the fish move up (shallow). And, when the water goes down, the fish go down (deep).
THE EFFECTS ON OTHER FORAGE
When the water falls, it’s not only the bass that are losing real estate, so are some of the other smaller fish and aquatic creatures. Baitfish, bass fry and sunfish are being vacuumed out of shallow bays and coves as they become mere puddles. These small fish are vulnerable at this time and the bass will learn to capitalize on this opportunity. The bass will position outside of these shallow areas and wait to ambush.
Also, the crawdads that had burrows submerged in the shallow water are now finding their shelter has been
transformed into dry land. Because of that, they will be forced back down into the water to rebuild. At this time. the bass will feast on them as they become exposed.
You will notice on the shoreline of the reservoirs you will find hard packed dirt banks with scattered holes, crawdad banks. The composition of the dirt is perfect to burrow without collapsing and the holes can be found from the high-water mark down, showing the varying water levels through the years.
SEASONAL PATTERNS AND TECHNIQUES
WINTER: It is very unlikely to see falling water levels during the winter months; however, it does happen, every once in a while.
When this abnormal shift in levels occurs, it is generally very gradual. The fish tend to suspend more in open water and orient less to the shoreline. Steeper banks and bluff walls will offer stability as the fish can adjust to their comfortable holding depth by raising or lowering vertically in the water column.
Many bottom bouncing techniques will work. However, targeting suspended fish with jigging spoons or a dropshot is often the best option.
SPRING: This is the worst time of year to have dropping water. A decrease in the water level, during the spawn, can have a negative effect on the bass population for that year.
Summer 2020
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