All About Bass Fishing - Guide To Rising Water Levels

In most cases rising water should be viewed as a positive influence on bass. They tend to move shallower and will move farther back into creek channels and rivers to take advantage of nutrients coming into the lake and newly submerged vegetation. If the water entering the lake is extremely muddy, it may take a short period of time for the mud and silt to settle making these new areas more appealing to bass.

3 Most Important Factors About Rising Water Levels

The bass move up and in during rising water.
Rising water brings food into shallow water, particularly in the backs of creeks and washes.
Water temperatures will vary because of the difference between the lake and incoming water.

3 Most Effective Fishing Methods & Lures

Spinnerbaits fished shallow and in the back of coves.
Crankbaits fished on secondary points in coves.
Artificial worms fished in and around cover.

Rising Water Moves Bass Up And In.

Rule of thumb is that bass move up and in during rising water and they move down and out when the water is falling. The significance to the bass is dependent on how rapid the water is rising or falling and how common the level changes occur.

Rising water can have an impact on all forms of life in the lake. Bass are quick to react to the rising water as it brings food and nutrients into the lake. The new shallows are alive with vegetation and many forms of insects and creatures that resided on dry land before the rise in water level. This attracts the smaller fish which concentrates them in the new shallows and the bass see it as a buffet along the shoreline.

The backs of creeks where the new water is entering the lake are the first to attract aquatic life forms. Generally these areas are flat so a rise in lake level of only a few feet can create significant acres of new shallows. Depending on the season, bass may migrate to these areas soon after the water begins rising. These bass move into these areas specifically to feed, so you can most often fish the areas aggressively. Throw buzzbaits and action baits like spinnerbaits and crankbaits to cover a lot of water quickly. Move from one new shallow area to another as they are created all over the lake.

Depending on how much the water rises, deep bass may also be affected. If their comfort level is at 25 feet and the water rises 10 feet, the bass will slowly move to new 25 foot areas. This may take a while once the new water level stabilizes.

Rising water can interfere with the spawn as eggs laid in 8 foot of water could suddenly be in 15 or 20 feet where the sun cannot penetrate to activate the development of the eggs.

All About Bass Fishing - Guide To Rising Water Levels

3 Most Important Factors About Rising Water Levels

3 Most Effective Fishing Methods & Lures

Rising Water Moves Bass Up And In.

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