a lake level/water flow question

[31Airborne]

SML is the first lake I've been on where they pump in and out. All of my experience on impoundments has been on TVA and CoE lakes where there was outflow only. Generation periods (outflow) on these lakes can be special times for fishermen. What happens to the bite on SML when water is being pumped back in from Leesville? Does the current from the in-flow cause the bite to pick up or die? How long does it take for the fish to adjust? Or do they adjust?

There were a couple of periods during my outing on SML last week when the bite and fish activity essentially stopped. I mean nothing. Going back over the SML generation log it looks like both of those periods occurred while they were pumping back in. Anything to this or just coincidence?

thanks,
B

[johnr]

It depends how close to the dam you are fishing. Right in the main basin, in areas where there is good current, the bite can really be great when they are pumping in either direction.

In the main lake/mid lake areas, I think the effect is less noticeable. In the creeks, it is more noticeable and therefore has more of an effect, though nothing like down around the dam.

A lot of times when that current turns and flows upstream and starts pushing into the backs of creeks, the bait and gamefish are right there. I've seen some crazy busting way up in the backs of creeks on a rising water, both bass and stripers. In low water like now, it's not as prevalent as the silted areas are exposed. Typically if the water is a couple feet over the silt, ie "full pond", then the fish will get up in there.

There is almost always current moving one way or another here. Identify it and adjust the presentation direction as needed.

[31Airborne]

thank you, sir!