Bass have to adjust when the lakes are lowered each year. With summer over and the cooler days of fall approaching,instincts trigger the fish to feed and fatten up for the coming winter. This calls for following the baitfish schools into shallow water while also dining on crayfish, frogs and other shallow water edibles. Most of these bass would remain shallow until cooler water temperatures send them to the deep-if their feeding was not interrupted with falling water. Over a period of about one month during lake drawdown,these fish must constantly back off to deeper water. Like the bass,anglers must also adjust,as they find they are fishing further and further from the original shoreline with each passing week.

This time-able occurrence takes place(according to different schedules)in the fall on many lakes throughout the United States. The Power Company's do so in anticipation of heavy rain and winter snow runoff. In Alabama this occurs during the mid-to-late fall period. Some lakes are only dropped four to five feet,such as the three upper Coosa River impoundment's Weiss Lake, Neely Henry Lake and Logan Martin Lake. On the Tennessee River system this would include Pickwick,Wheeler,Wilson and Guntersville Lakes. Other lakes in Alabama dropped as much as fifteen feet,are The Tallapoosa River impoundment's Lake Harris and Lake Martin. Smith Lake, known for extremely deep water,has been drastically dropped in the past to over thirty feet below normal pool. While many impoundments are kept near full pool year-round,others must be dropped for flood control. This can create different fishing situations as each impoundment calls for specific fishing tactics. Therefore three phases develop as the bass and the bass angler move toward deeper water.

PHASE ONE: THE FIRST WEEK OF DRAWDOWN

For the angler now forced to search out new water,falling water levels mean having to abandon shallow water patterns that produced bass during full pool. Previous tactics such as fishing around weeds,stumprows,piers and other bass-holding cover become obsolete. These are shallow backwaters and feeder creek situations in which bass must move horizontally to reach deeper water. Bass on deeper,main-river and creek banks are not as drastically affected and merely move vertically with each phase of falling water.

During the first week of drawdown most lakes will drop one to two feet(each schedule varies). As in times of drought or during water generation,a slight drop in the water level can slow the fishing-especially a shallow water bite. During these confusing times bass must regroup,drop to a hole or depression,head for the security of deep water ledges and drop-offs,or bury up in thick cover to await water levels to stabilize. To the angler,this can mean fishing the middle of small coves or pockets,targeting the deeper,outside pilings of piers and boathouses,fan-casting along the sides and ends of now exposed points,or dredging creek channels and ledges out from the original shoreline. The nearest drop-off,whether it is immediate or gradual,will be the next stopover for retreating bass to relate to. If they normally live on a flat that averages five feet deep,some may only move to a channel edge or drop-off where the security of deep water is nearby. This can be around brush,wood,rock or along the edge of deep weed lines. Each impoundment has its own distinct characteristics and no two are alike.

Regardless of the drawdown situation,there is one evident thing all lakes have in common,off-shore cover,that is now revealed as it becomes the new shoreline. This can be anything from man-made brushpiles to natural wood and rock cover. Trees lodged on flats will now show limbs or stickups revealing the homes of bass below. Offshore weeds,once underwater,will now hold bass still relating to this oxygen-rich environment. Resident-planted brush piles that were once hidden around piers will begin to show under,alongside and(a cast away)out in front of these man-made structures. Along main-lake points and other eddy areas,the bass will begin to stack up as the availability of baitfish and constant water generation,increases the urge to feed. Until the water regulation authority reaches the intended stop for drawdown,the continuous flow of water will trigger different schools of bass to move up out of the current to feed on these main-lake areas. In addition to the many shoreline bass now forced to relocate,larger schools of bass gathering in the same areas will regroup. Most will remain here until Phase Two of drawdown takes place.

PHASE TWO: THE LAKE GETS LOWER

Bottom irregularities and inundated man-made cover are revealed during the second phase of drawdown. This is into the second and third week of falling lake levels and the water has plunged anywhere from one to four feet. Bass have retraced their travels,that brought them shallow a few weeks ago,and are relating to deeper,offshore structure-some of which now becomes the new,shallow water cover. Roadbeds,underwater humps,submerged islands,sand bars,saddles,rock piles,old blown-out bridges and railroad trestles,creek channels,ditches,stumprows,old house foundations and even old cemetery plots are now targets(some visible)for the shallow water angler to discover. On some lakes this is the stopping point for winter drawdown. At this stage lake levels can drop back to the original river and creek channels and would pose a problem for navigation if water levels fell any lower.

Lakes with weeds previously growing in deep water will now become the only shallow water greenery for the bass to relate to. For instance,the dying milfoil and rejuvenated hydrilla situation on the Tennessee River that takes place during drawdown each fall. Milfoil,a stringy, shallow water aquatic weed,generally grows less than five feet deep,except during the extremely clear water conditions or during an extended growing season. When these Tennessee River lakes are gradually dropped to about five feet,most of the milfoil dies. Coupled with falling water temperatures and shorter days there is not much time for new growth. The much deeper growing weed,hydrilla,is a long-stemmed,leafy-type,aquatic weed that grows in stands or patches in water as deep as twenty feet. When these Tennessee River lakes are dropped much of this hydrilla is exposed to sunlight. This will rejuvenate growth creating an umbrella(or canopy)of newly-growing weeds on top. This new growth and shady cover will attract baitfish and bass. Both prey and predator are now "bunched up" in their new homes. This can create outstanding fishing for several weeks as bass again gorge themselves with more food now on the menu.

Anglers will now find the value of their electronics as they spot ledges,old creek channels, ditches and drop-offs within the hydrilla. Big stumps,laying logs,brush or rocks enhance these weed beds and can be spotted by today's very sophisticated equipment. Fishing appropriate lures within these areas will catch bass relating to cover and other hidden features below. With falling water levels forcing bass away from the original shoreline,often,more than one bass can be taken from one spot. These highways within these weeds offer stopping spots(or rest areas)along the way from shallow-to-deep water that bass can relate to. This is also a good time to explore rock bluffs,rip-rap,bridge pilings,exposed boulders or rocky banks,and even stump flats for irregularities and huge,isolated stumps,all for future reference when lake levels return to full pool in the spring. Also keep in mind during these times of cooling water,rock and wood cover both hold heat and just like during pre-spawn conditions the bass will be more active in these areas,especially with deep water nearby.

PHASE THREE: THE WATER LEVEL STABILIZES

After a month or so,drawdown will cease and the bass should resume feeding as lake levels stabilize. For regardless of the conditions they must eat. According to the time of year and the lake's locality,the fishing can be slow or fantastic. Cold water,muddy conditions,and cold fronts,can slow the bite as during other times of the year. On the other hand clear water,warm fronts,along with bunched-up bass and baitfish,can induce frantic acts and schooling bass can go into a feeding frenzy. If by now the lake has been through a drastic drop,fishing could be tailored to main-lake cover,although deeper creeks can harbor schools of bass year-round especially with mild winters. Main-lake flats that were once ten to fifteen feet deep will now become the new shallow water bass invade as feeding takes place. This especially holds true for main-lake and creek points that attract bass year-round. During low water,their travels are shortened as they move up to feed on these holding spots,now closer to deep water. Humps or submerged islands are now either exposed or just below the lake's surface and are perfect areas for the many bass that suspend in deep water during these confusing times. River and creek channel ledges are now much close to shallow water and provide some skittish bass with an immediate retreat to the lake's deepest water. These deep,dark,channel drop-offs also provide big bass an ambush spot for attacking baitfish schools drifting overhead. Rock bluffs can now have first or even secondary ledges exposed revealing hidden cover such as washed-in debris, broken-off banks,or huge chunk rocks and boulders. This especially holds true along outer river or creek channel bends that are constantly exposed to current. Bass,(especially spotted bass and smallmouths)often spend their winters around these rock bluffs and are right at home,even with falling water.

Many impoundment's feature river-like characteristics near the upper lake headwaters. During the hot days of Summer the bass have gathered in these lake headwaters in search of baitfish and other edibles,before water levels began to drop. Cooler water and swifter current attract these summertime bass to these upper lake regions,inducing feeding from much more active bass than lower lake residents. With dams blocking their travels many remain nearby. With the easy pickings of baitfish washed through the dam discharge area,in addition to current and highly oxygenated water,they have no reason to leave. These bass instinctively move to the nearest deep water until lake drawdown is complete,as they resume feeding,for the meals just keep on coming.

Small feeder creeks and streams in the upper reaches of these reservoirs can dry up during extreme drawdown. The baitfish and crayfish are then forced from hiding and must travel through a 'funneled down' area that ends at the creek mouths where the bass are waiting. Meanwhile, baitfish,forced to escape the swift river current,are seeking refuge in these out-of-the-current places. Stumps,trees,brush and rocks offer bass hiding(and holding)spots as they ambush unsuspecting prey coming from both directions. The lower the water level falls the better these places can be. The river banks immediately above and below these small pockets and creek mouths will now hold some big bass. Many of these creek resident 'monsters' were forced out of these feeders as falling waters sent them searching for a new home in deeper water.

Secondary river ledges often go unnoticed by the average angler fishing during full pool. These 'offshore structures' are often right under the boat of the bank-beating angler and can only be found by moving away from the original shoreline,probing the bottom with lures,using one's electronics and some map study when the lake is at full pool. But when the lake levels fall,washed-in wood cover is revealed. To an adept angler's watchful eye this can reveal limbs, stickups,brush,trees and washed-in logs,laying at an angle along these drop-offs. Behind this wood cover will be bass holding out of the current or hidden in the shade awaiting a well-placed lure. Standing timber and piers in these lake headwaters also serve as excellent holding spots during drawdown and much of this natural and man-made cover is often near these drop-offs and ledges. The bass only need to adjust straight down as water levels continue to fall with each passing day. Anything that provides a current break,an eddy area or an immediate drop-off,will now hold bass and often many in huge schools.

Whether you fish up or downriver on these impoundments during drawdown keep in mind that many obstacles are now just below the surface of the new,much lower lake. Navigation is now your number one priority,for lives are at stake,not to mention costly boat repairs.

As for fishing,many bass are now concentrated in a much smaller lake. In reservoirs with banks normally lined with weeds,this can be over half of the lake's bass and baitfish population,now forced to relocate to wood and rock cover nearby. On lakes that are dropped every year the deteriorated banks can mean a lot of bass have to share the same cover,creating overcrowding.

So remember,as you the angler,learn to adjust and change your fishing habits,this is also one of the best times of the year for a trophy bass. Practice CPR(catch,photo and release)this fall as lake levels drop. Let these hard-fighting bass go,to live and fight another day. Also to give you,your offspring,or some other angler a thrill in the future. Some monster bass(that are otherwise buried up in thick cover)are just waiting to be caught by a lucky angler as he learns to fish when the Power Company pulls the plug and creates an actually not-so-tough situation called "Drawdown."

Low Water Lures and Techniques

From one foot low to complete drawdown,each situation calls for different lures and techniques. Basically from top to bottom,bass will still hit the same lures as during full pool,only now selection varies. Lures that once caught bass in the grass(due to their weedless qualities)may not be needed without any grass to fish,although bass will still blast these weedless offerings around wood and rock cover. Frogs,rats,floating worms and lizards,soft plastic jerkbaits, spinnerbaits and buzzbaits,all previously drug through the weeds,will still be viciously attacked by bass hanging around low water cover. Brush piles and stump rows are common ambush spots during low water and can be fished with these same weedless lures with ease and success. Other topwaters such as the Zara Super Spook,pop-r's,jerkbaits,prop-baits and chuggers,all simulate injured or weak prey,in the hands of a skilled angler. These lures signal the bass to attack as they continue to feed in whatever shallow water is available. Crankbaits and rattling lipless lures(rattletraps,rattlin'spots,rattlin'raps)simulate fleeing baitfish and crayfish. When fished around rocks and rip-rap(man-made boulders),these fast-retrieved lures can induce some hard-hitting bass into striking. Shallow-to-mid divers are recommended during the first week of drawdown. As bass are forced into creek and river channels they will 'suspend' or hang away from cover just below the water's surface. Deep-diving crankbaits can mop up as drawdown continues when many bass bunch up in schools and are highly susceptible to these lures running in their holding depth. Bigger lures in these categories simulate the baitfish that have grown larger by the end of the year. Spinnerbaits with oversized blades,jigs with big pork or crayfish trailers,large jigging spoons,big jerkbaits,and a variety of crankbaits,will all get the Bigger bass bite from fish accustomed to filling a belly fast.

On all of our lakes and rivers there are freshwater eels,waterdogs,lizards,snakes,crayfish and frogs that are forced from shallow water cover as the lake levels drop. Lures that emulate these creatures are at their best when an abundance of these creatures are available for the bass to dine on. Crayfish forced out of their homes along rocky or red clay banks can be imitated with plastic crayfish or a jig and pork combo. Slow retrieves are recommended,for many of these crustaceans are sluggish due to cooling water and unexpected relocation. Plastic worms simulating snakes and other slithering creatures should be considered,especially the ten-to-twelve inch models. These slender prey have grown to sizable lengths by the end of the year. Plastic lizards are just as good for getting the big bass bite as during the Spring. With four kicking appendages and a swaying tail these siren imitations invoke strikes from all sizes and species of bass. Vengeful bass hate these little lizards just as much this time of the season as when they display their nest-robbing attributes during the spring spawn. Waterdogs and freshwater lizards relocate many times as lake levels recede,forcing them into some very dangerous territory.

Frogs,not really thought of as a fall and winter bait,find themselves on the endangered list as they leave the security of the weeds and mucky bottoms in search of hibernating homes for the winter. Bass that have fed on these croaking creatures throughout the spring and summer have become accustomed to eating frog legs(and other edible frog parts). Low water and much less preferable surroundings now make these creatures much easier targets during drawdown. Lures that closely resemble frogs(in both appearance and action)can vary from top to bottom. Floating frogs (and rats)can still create dynamic blow-ups as bass in cool water attack. As previously mentioned some weeds such as hydrilla or millfoil(or even cold season floating water hyacinths) are the best areas for these skipping and hopping offerings. Little known to the shallow water angler these topwaters are excellent lures around brush,stumps,laying logs,rocks and boulders during low water. From plastic crayfish to frogs the choice of rigging can be on a jig head, Texas-rigged or Carolina-rigged from shallow-to-deep water,or fished on top for some very explosive strikes. These are some of the years strongest(and healthiest)bass,feeding in shallow water with temperatures in the 50's and 60's creates a very active,temporary lifestyle.

Another popular wintertime tactic well known throughout the professional ranks is Flipping or Pitching. This is a soft approach to fishing with every lure from jigs to spinnerbaits and can be excellent during drawdown. Previously impenetrable cover is now exposed,forcing many big bass to relocate or hang along the edge of this thick cover. On the other hand,they are skittish with their new homes and often still must be coaxed from cover. On top of falling lake levels,Fall rains often stain the water moving bass shallow. During these times feeding by sight becomes difficult and bass must rely on smell,their inner ear and their lateral lines. Lures that emit vibrations,have rattles,feature correct colors and have an added fish attractant,are at an advantage during these times.