Texas drought conditions have caused water levels in most of the lakes statewide to drop drastically. Some lakes are reporting only 57% of their normal capacity.
This is actually a situation that anglers can take advantage of and really learn how to catch more fish.
Learn To Fish
While lake levels are down, you can learn how to catch more fish when the drought is over. Right now, you can see bottom structure that is normally buried under a few feet of water.
Learn to fish when water levels are low
For example, in the picture on the left, both that protrusion of land (a point) and that lone stump sticking up out of the water are normally not visible. I can also see that there is a slight dip in the foreground that is holding water. If I make a note of these things and take pictures then, when the water returns, I now have a better picture of underwater targets that I can focus on while fishing. Maybe there will be a fish on that point or holding next to that stump.
Another great fish holding spot
Here’s another example:
In the picture on the right, all of those smaller stumps are normally not visible. This is usually a couple of feet underwater. Just the tips of the tallest ones are visible.
Possibly a holding spot for bluegill, crappie, etc. when the water returns. Actually, I know this spot holds fish during the spawn, but right now it’s too shallow for anything.
What Are You Looking For?
While you’re cruising around the lake, or walking along the bank, if there isn’t enough water to launch your boat make some notes. Here’s a few things to look for:
- Logs laying on the bottom
- Brushpiles
- Sandy holes or depressions in the bottom
- Humps
- The shape of the stumps and laydowns
- Exposed points
- Drastic depth changes
Those will give you a good start, then when the water is back to its regular level, you’ll be ready to try your luck with a few more educated guesses.
This is a trick that I have used over the years to learn to catch more fish. I know fishing guides who have built their reputations on the things they have learned during drought conditions. So, get out there and learn something. You’ll be glad you did.
Oh, and one last thing. If you want more fishing tips and ideas to learn to fish more effectively, don’t forget to sign up for our regular newsletter. Use the blue box on the right.
Hope to see you on the water.