Hurricane Helene Bears Down On The South- How Will Our River Systems & Smallmouth React To The Changing Conditions?
Two weeks ago we talked about the Fall Tansition beginning early this season because of the cold weather systems that hit the region in early September that brought many of the regions river systems down dramatically in water temperature.
This week our river systems and the “transition” will be directly impacted by the arrival of Hurricane Helene. While she will make landfall late Thursday evening in Florida, her system has already impacted river systems in the southern portion of the region like the James River and New River. In fact the New River is expected to see water levels close to 18 feet in Radford ,Virginia even with the dam being open just south of the city.
The biggest question many are asking is how will Helene ultimately impact river systems both in the days leading up to land fall and of course afterward and how will the seasonal behavioral pattern of Smallmouth be impacted.
When a hurricane hits land, it impacts inland river systems and barometric pressure in several ways, which in turn can influence the behavior of our Smallmouth Bass. We recently had begun to see our Smallies begin to feed up especially as water temperatures fell a few weeks ago when the water levels were also down considerably compared to mid August. The pattern that was forming will be interrupted with the drastic change in water level and flow within our river systems.
1. In Front of the Hurricane (Before Landfall):
River Systems: As the hurricane approaches, heavy rainfall can occur even before the storm's center hits land. Rivers will begin to rise due to runoff from the rainfall, with water levels increasing quickly in areas already saturated by rain.
Storm Surge: Coastal and riverine areas near the storm may experience storm surges that cause rivers to back up, flooding areas upstream and leading to rapid water level rises. The effects of storm surge may extend some distance inland depending on the river’s proximity to the coast and its elevation.
Barometric Pressure: As the hurricane approaches, the barometric pressure begins to drop significantly. Hurricanes are associated with very low-pressure systems, which continues to fall until the storm makes landfall.
Smallmouth Bass Behavior:
Feeding Activity: Smallmouth Bass tend to sense falling barometric pressure before the storm hits. The drop in pressure may lead to an increase in feeding activity as fish prepare for the turbulent conditions.
This has already happened in southwest Virginia and is continuing now in rivers like the Potomac River and Monocacy River which have yet to see the rivers rise much as the reaches of Helene have yet to reach the area and thus far there is not enough rain fall north of MD to turn the rivers.
Positioning: Smallmouth Bass will seek out sheltered areas, possibly deeper pools or areas with structure like submerged logs or rock formations. They may move toward deeper, calmer waters to avoid the incoming surge of fast water and debris. Typically our Smallies also move towards the bank and out of the middle river where the current will be the greatest intensity so back side of any river islands or cuts will be locations Smallmouth often move towards.
2. During and After Landfall:
River Systems: Once the hurricane hits land, it brings torrential rains. Inland rivers can swell dramatically, often overflowing their banks due to the combined effects of rainfall and storm surge (if near coastal areas). Flash flooding becomes a major concern, with fast-moving currents, debris, and muddy water.
Barometric Pressure: Barometric pressure remains low during the storm but will start rising again once the storm weakens or moves away from the area. This fluctuation can have a significant impact on fish behavior.
Smallmouth Bass Behavior:
Relocation: Smallmouth Bass are likely to seek refuge in stable environments as river levels rise rapidly. They may avoid fast-moving sections of the river and migrate toward slack water zones (backwaters, behind large rocks, deep holes) where they can conserve energy.
Stress Response: The sudden influx of debris, silt, and cold rainwater can stress the fish, leading to reduced activity. Bass may temporarily stop feeding and hunker down in sheltered areas to wait out the turbulence.
Post-Storm Feeding: Once the storm passes and water levels stabilize, Smallmouth Bass may exhibit a period of aggressive feeding, especially if water levels remain high. The turbulent conditions often wash a lot of food sources (insects, small fish) into the river, creating prime feeding opportunities. There were will significant bait fish in turmoil due to the drastic changes in pressure and will become prime targets for Smallies once they return to feeding up.
3. Behind the Hurricane (Post-Storm Effects):
River Systems: As the storm moves further inland and weakens, rainfall may continue in its wake for several days. Rivers could remain swollen for an extended period, with water levels receding more slowly in flat terrain.
Barometric Pressure: The barometric pressure will gradually rise back to normal levels as the storm system dissipates. This stabilization can lead to more predictable weather patterns.
Smallmouth Bass Behavior:
Relocation to Feeding Zones: As water levels recede and conditions stabilize, Smallmouth Bass will move back to their usual feeding zones. The increase in food sources may stimulate feeding activity, and they will explore areas where new food sources have been deposited by the storm.
Water Clarity: Depending on how much sediment and debris the storm has introduced into the river system, water clarity may take time to recover. Smallmouth Bass rely on both sight and vibration to hunt, so they may rely more on vibrations during post-storm murky conditions. It becomes optimal time to break out crankbaits (knockers) in these conditions and if you have some open water areas jerkbaits.
Lake’s Edge Lures Unfortunately, most of us will have to deal with the displaced leaves from the trees due to the wind brought about by Helene which also wreak havoc on topwater baits.
In SUMMARY, hurricanes create a chaotic and turbulent environment for river systems, and Smallies tend to react by seeking sheltered areas and reducing activity during the storm. Before and after the storm, they are likely to increase feeding, especially as water levels rise, creating favorable conditions for foraging. The question remains on the abundance of bait fish that will survive the pressures of the storm and how prolific they may be come next week as Smallies likely begin to resume feeding patterns.
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Resources:
Facebook Groups:
Smallmouth Army:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1322144201945490
Smallie Chaser River Bassin:
You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallieChaserChannel
https://www.facebook.com/groups/885248796934955many challenges for Smallmouth anglers especially those fishing from a kayak or wade fishing.