High Water Question

[arkansasbasser]

With the high water levels in the rivers, where do the fish go that are in the coves (on the rivers) getting ready to spawn? Do they stay there, only now they are deeper because the water is higher, or do they move out and wait for the water to recede?

[team doyle]

that's the question a lot of us have this week.
i reckon that fish already in backwater will remain there,
but my only real answer is to get out there and make some observations.
i'm curious what i'll find this weekend.
maybe someone else has a definitive statement for us.

have fun and be safe,
joe

[1bigfish]

I wish I knew. I will try and get the answer this weekend.:wink:

[fishlipper]

I dont know how many fish have really moved in the shallows yet. I know my bro and law found them in staging water on the Lower Willy on Monday. I will let you know come Saturday. Joe, you going to be on the lower willy or upper? If you are on the lower, maybe we will see you out there.

I wish I knew. I will try and get the answer this weekend.:wink:

[arkansasbasser]

I found them Monday in about 1 to 4 foot deep. Roger found them last week like that also. Other reports saying the same thing so I'm pretty sure there are some there (or were).

[arkansasbasser]

Exactly what is "staging water" anyway??

[team doyle]

chet,
not sure where i'll be. i'm trying to get a handle on the insane flows
on the columbia. if i had my druthers i'd get back in the bonneville pool.
the splashers and gigglers will be out in brut force in the metro area
with the memorial day weekend. may success and relative solitude be yours.
would love to run into you on the water. it's a crapshoot for me at this point.

joe

[Hunt'nFish]

Exactly what is "staging water" anyway??
Well my definition of staging water is areas 10-20ft out of current & adjacent to spawning back water area's that are 1-10ft.
Hunt'nFish

[QH's Paw]

Exactly what is "staging water" anyway??
Usually, the deep or deeper water in front of or near the shallow area that is their traditional type nesting areas. It obviously differs between LMB and SMB. I'm sure it is subject to interpertation by others but, that is the way I've always understood. It isn't always as simple as depth related such as flat bottom lakes and ponds. That's why I also refered to as "in front of or near" statement. Regardless, it is almost always a close area to the spawning beds/nests where pre-spawn fish congregate prior to spawn.
I think this weekend might be more affected by water temp stability and clarity then water height.

[hawgcatcher]

Used to catch nice bass near the shoreline when water was high. That is where the minnows and smolts swim so to keep out of the swift water. The bass know this and will work the shoreline.

Used to fish nightcrawlers close to the bank on light tackle (spinning) and no weight. A light cast and let it drift with the currant for a short ways. The bass also know that swift currant will wash away the banks and worms and insects will go in the water.

When I was younger, we would go up to Rock Island, south of Oregon city, and fish the back waters from the bank when the river was high. Took a lot of nice largemouth (in the days before the smallmouth took over) using these techniques.

[fishlipper]

Very good definitions on Staging areas. The areas he was catching them were off of points in the 8-10feet of water near shallower spawning area. Out of the mains strong current, almost like seem water. Light current, just enough to slowly move your boat with the current.

[sbasser]

"The book" says the bass will move shallow with rising water, and that's the way it works.

Anybody seen the Columbia up above Wenatchee this week? I have in years past. With record snow packs, it's real scary looking. That will make June a good time to visit my favorite lake in Okanogan County. :meme:C&R, Steve