High Water or Flood Stage Crest. Now What?
How To Tackle Smallmouth As River Levels Begin To Fall
Ok. We all know what is happening right now on most of our regional river systems. Now is the perfect time to get some understanding of what our river systems are experiencing to better understand our rivers overall and how such events may impact the river and the ecosystem throughout the next season especially for those of us that fish these rivers. (pic below from The Morning Call)
Most rivers are still experiencing the flow from creeks and tribs that themselves have been impacted by their own creeks and run off from developed areas. My local creek that feeds the Upper Potomac has been tapped out to its top levels for three days since the rain that dropped on the region and in some instances three inches or more.
The first thing is to dive into how the river is being characterized right now by the news media and or the specialists along with some terms that often get thrown out. The following is the breakdown of how the National Weather Service (NWS) characterizes levels in our rivers:
“Bankfull Stage - an established gage height at a given location along a river or stream, above which a rise in water surface will cause the river or stream to overflow the lowest natural stream bank somewhere in the corresponding reach. The term “lowest bank” is however, not intended to apply to an unusually low place or a break in the natural bank through which the water inundates a small area. Bankfull stages on streams with natural or manmade high banks can be defined by the predominant vegetation line on the banks. The bankfull stage on many streams is associated with the 2-year recurrence interval flood. Bankfull stage is not necessarily the same as flood stage.
Action Stage - the stage which, when reached by a rising stream, represents the level where the NWS or a partner/user needs to take some type of mitigation action in preparation for possible significant hydrologic activity. The type of action taken varies for each gage location. Gage data should be closely monitored by any affected people if the stage is above action stage.
Flood Stage - an established gage height for a given location above which a rise in water surface level begins to create a hazard to lives, property, or commerce. The issuance of flood advisories or warnings is linked to flood stage. Not necessarily the same as bankfull stage.
Flood categories are terms defined for each gage location that describe or categorize the observed or expected severity of flood impacts in the corresponding stream segment or nearby stream. The severity of flooding at a given stage is not necessarily the same at all locations along a stream due to varying channel/bank characteristics on portions of the stream. Therefore, the stage for a given flood category is usually associated with lowest water level corresponding to the most significant flood impacts somewhere in the reach. The flood categories used in the NWS are minor, moderate, and major flooding, but all three of the flood categories do not necessarily exist for each gage location. Most commonly, gages in remote areas may not have a major flood stage assigned. Record flooding is flooding that equals or exceeds the highest stage or discharge at a given site during the period of record keeping.
Minor Flooding is defined to have minimal or no property damage, but possibly some public threat. A FLOOD ADVISORY product is issued to advise the public of flood events that are expected not to exceed the minor flood category. Examples of conditions that would be considered minor flooding include:
water over banks and in yards
no building flooded, but some water may be under buildings built on stilts (elevated)
personal property in low lying areas needs to be moved or it will get wet
water overtopping roads, but not very deep or fast flowing
water in campgrounds or on bike paths
inconvenience or nuisance flooding
small part of the airstrip flooded, and aircraft can still land
one or two homes in the lowest parts of town may be cut off or get a little water in the crawl spaces or homes themselves if they are not elevated.
In remote areas with few specific impacts, floods with 5-10 year recurrence interval would be assumed to be causing minor flooding on streams in the area.
Moderate Flooding is defined to have some inundation of structures and roads near the stream. Some evacuations of people and/or transfer of property to higher elevations may be necessary. A FLOOD WARNING should be issued if moderate flooding is expected during the event. Examples of conditions that would be considered moderate flooding include:
several buildings flooded with minor or moderate damage
various types of infrastructure rendered temporarily useless (i.e. fuel tanks cannot be reached due to high water, roads flooded that have no alternates, generator station flooded)
elders and those living in the lowest parts of the village are evacuated to higher ground
access to the airstrip is cut off or requires a boat
water over the road is deep enough to make driving unsafe
gravel roads likely eroded due to current moving over them
widespread flooding, but not deep enough to float ice chunks through town
water deep enough to make life difficult, normal life is disrupted and some hardship is endured
airstrip closed
travel is most likely restricted to boats
In remote areas with few specific impacts, floods with 15-40 year recurrence interval would be assumed to be causing moderate flooding on streams in the area.
Major Flooding is defined to have extensive inundation of structures and roads. Significant evacuations of people and/or transfer of property to higher elevations are necessary. A FLOOD WARNING should be issued if major flooding is expected during the event. Examples of conditions that would be considered major flooding include:
many buildings flooded, some with substantial damage or destruction
infrastructure destroyed or rendered useless for an extended period of time
multiple homes are flooded or moved off foundations
everyone in threatened area is asked to evacuate
National Guard units assist in evacuation efforts
erosion problems are extreme
the airstrip, fuel tanks, and the generator station are likely flooded
loss of transportation access, communication, power and/or fuel spills are likely
fuel tanks may float and spill and possibly float downstream
ice chunks floating though town that could cause structural damage
high damage estimates and high degree of danger to residents "
The above basically is how the service employs high water terminology to such events resulting in rapid or steady rise in our river water levels like we have seen the past four days in the Maryland and Virginia region.
So what happens to all the Smallmouth and how will they behave or react once the river levels crest and begin to fall back down?
We certainly know that these high water events, including floods of course, can significantly impact the behavior of our Smallie in our rivers. Understanding how Smallmouth react to these conditions and adjusting your fishing strategies accordingly is crucial for success.
Here are some insights into Smallmouth behavior. Just as I have covered the other behavior cycles like the transition and the winter metabolic rates in recent weeks now we get to talk about what happens after high water river events and tactics for catching them:
Smallmouth Bass Behavior after High Water Events:
Positioning and Movement:
Nearshore/ Bankful Areas: Smallmouth Bass often move to nearshore areas during high water events, seeking refuge in calmer waters close to the riverbank. —-(if the water is not moving rapidly like middle river)
Backwaters/ CREEKS: They may also move into backwater areas, especially if these areas provide shelter and protection from the strong current. —typically after the crest or after the creeks themselves have slowed with flow dumping into the river.
Opportunistic Feeding:
High water events can wash various prey items into the river. Smallies may take advantage of the increased food availability and become more opportunistic feeders during this time frame given their own rates have been sped up by the river conditions.
Look for areas with concentrations of debris and floating material, as these may attract baitfish and insects.
Current Breaks:
Smallmouth are likely to position themselves near structures that break the current. Rocks, logs, and submerged structures provide places where bass can conserve energy while waiting for prey to come by.
Temporary Displacement:
Smallmouth may temporarily move from their usual habitats due to the disturbance caused by high water events. As water levels recede, they gradually return to their original locations.- They may not move far or could move miles depending upon the section of the river. (pic from Vripley last major high water/flood event)
Tactics for Catching Smallmouth Bass after High Water Events:
Fishing Nearshore/Bankful Areas:
Target nearshore (bank) areas, especially those with submerged rocks, fallen trees, or other structures that provide cover. Use lures or baits that mimic disoriented prey that has been washed into the river.
Slow and Methodical Presentation:
Smallmouth may be less active immediately after high water events. Slow and methodical presentations, such as using soft plastics or jigs worked along the riverbed, can be effective.
Topwater Lures:
In the aftermath of high water events, Smallmouth Bass may be found in shallow, calmer waters or stable areas. Try using topwater lures like walking baits in these areas, especially during low-light conditions.
Crankbaits and Spinnerbaits: (see my videos on You Tube)
Crankbaits and spinnerbaits can be effective in covering water and enticing strikes from bass holding near structures. Choose lures that mimic the size and color of the prevalent prey in the area.—- remember during this time frame everything in the river is load. Nothing is subtle during high water or flood stage events.
Natural Colors:
Use natural-colored lures that resemble the local forage species. In the aftermath of high water events, the river may be filled with various debris and often a ton of it that can influence the preferences of Smallmouth .
Explore Transitional Areas: (bass may return to routes used from Fall to Winter pools)
Focus on transitional zones where fast-moving water meets slower currents. These areas can act as ambush points for Smallmouth waiting for prey to be swept downstream.
Monitor Water Clarity:
Pay attention to water clarity after the high water event. If the water remains turbid, lures with more vibration and noise may be effective in helping bass locate your bait of course.
As the river water levels decline and the water remains cold, Smallmouth can exhibit different behaviors, requiring us Chasers to adjust our baits and presentation methods.
During these conditions, Smallmouth may be more cautious and selective in their feeding. Here are some effective baits and presentation methods for catching Smallmouth I have found in our rivers with lowering water levels and colder temperatures:
Jigs and Soft Plastics:
Presentation: Fish jigs and soft plastics slowly along the riverbed or bottom composition. Use a slow dragging or hopping motion to mimic prey moving along the bottom. —- bass do not want to be caught in top of column fighting the rising current flows exerting too much energy.
Color Choices: Opt for natural colors that match the local forage, such as brown, green pumpkin, or crawfish patterns. —-remeber the water clarity as well as factor
Suspending Jerkbaits:
Presentation: Suspending jerkbaits imitate wounded baitfish as we all know and are effective during cold-water conditions but also after the river crests as many of the forage specie may be struggling. Use a twitch-and-pause retrieve to entice strikes from slow-moving bass. (Tons of videos on You Tube from Pro’s on the Jerkbait)
Color Choices: Select natural and subtle colors, such as shiner, silver or shad patterns.
Hair Jigs: (one of my favs- see my You Tube Channel for latest winter hair jigs)
Presentation: Hair jigs can mimic the movement of prey like crawfish or small baitfish. Fish them close to the riverbed using a slow, steady retrieve or short hops.
Color Choices: Choose colors that match the local forage and water clarity. O prefer black, brown, green colorations with hair plus a grub or ned worm on the jig head. Also maribou jigs are incredible for smallies in winter.
Crankbaits:
Shallow Diving Crankbaits: Opt for shallow-diving crankbaits that run just above the bottom of the riverbed. Slowly retrieve these lures, allowing them to bump into rocks and structures. —— CAREFUL- you will lose a ton of these during high water given the amount of debris under the surface moving down with the river flow plus of course the floating sediment being exposed and relocated.
Color Choices: Select natural colors and patterns that imitate local prey species but also as the water clarity begins to shift back in areas as the water levels decline opt for brighter colors BUT use the one knocker cranks.
Tube Baits:
Presentation: Tube baits can be effective when rigged on a jig head or but probably less effective is the drop-shot rig during the high water in lieu of less control and amount of sediments and debris one can’t see in the water column. Work Tube on jigheads slowly along the bottom with occasional pauses to trigger strikes. I increase my size as well . Want to get down to river bed faster into the target zone.
Color Choices: Natural colors such as green pumpkin, brown, or smoke can be effective. (see my latest Tube video for colors on You Tube:
Swimbaits:
Presentation: Choose swimbaits with a realistic swimming action. Fish them at a slow to moderate pace, mimicking the movement of injured or struggling prey. Do not be afraid to leave them out there a bit longer than you typically would before you begin your cadence. Remember you have a ton of moving current and water volume. Positioning is critical here.
Color Choices: Use colors that resemble local baitfish, and consider adding a paddle tail for added attraction to baits like chatter, spinner or jig. See the 1st Gen Fishing Jawdropper for example rigged with a 2.5-3 inch swimbait.
Live Bait: Yes people on the river use live bait. I know but still….
Nightcrawlers or Minnows: During colder water conditions, Smallmouth may still respond well to live bait. Rig nightcrawlers on a Carolina rig or fish live minnows under a float in slower-moving areas afterall with the sediment release you are going to get alot of crawlers in the water column especially closer to bank and shore line areas.
Fish Slow and Pause OFTEN:
Regardless of the bait used, slow down your presentation and incorporate pauses in your retrieves. Smallmouth Bass in cold water conditions can be less aggressive, and a slower, more deliberate approach can trigger strikes. High water also adds even more “coldness” to the water temps often do to snow melt.
Focus on Structure:
Target areas with structure, rocks, and submerged logs that may remain undisturbed from the high water. If these are known to you they are most certainly know to the Smallmouth Bass as well and they may relate closely to these features, especially if they break up the rolling water from high water or provide protection and security.
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