Whatcha Gonna Do When the Bottom Drops Out?

I'm talking, of course, about those times when, for whatever reason, the water level at your favorite fishin' hole takes a turn downward. Granted, we've had enough water locally to keep launching and recovering boats the past couple or so weeks, despite the water level running about a foot or more below the norm every day.

For some, this matter of low water makes it tough just finding the motivation to get out there and try your luck. As one angler I read about put it, "It's like volunteering to go get kicked in the mouth."

It seems a fairly safe bet that, given low-water conditions, you won't find very many anglers running the shoreline in search of bass. For openers, most of that cover you throw at during full-pool conditions likely doesn't have more than 4 inches of water on it--if even that much. The general consensus is that when the water level falls, the bass move away from the banks and tend to suspend in deeper water--at least enough to cover their heads.

The smart angler will move farther off shore--maybe 10 feet or more--and start checking for suspended fish with something like a squarebill, making parallel casts.

If you happen to be dealing with clear and low water, it's also a no-brainer to throw a jerkbait. Chances are good that while many of your buddies will be struggling to catch any fish, you might be claiming limits nearly everytime you go. Even if the fish are lethargic, that action of a jerkbait usually is enough to grab their attention.

As with the squarebill, your best bet is to parallel previously productive shoreline with the jerkbait. Again, the fish probably will just be hanging out in the middle of the water column. Be advised, though, that this technique usually is much better on a sunny day with a little breeze. The latter is helpful in that it positions baitfish on windblown banks, and the chop on the water helps mask some of the unusual characteristics of your jerkbait.

Another bait that can work wonders in low-water situations is a walking topwater plug. Simply parallel the shoreline from a more-than-normal distance and make blind casts. It may seem strange casting to stuff you can't physically see, but if you'll stick to this pattern for a full day, there's a better than average chance you'll finish the day with a nice sack of fish.

If by some chance a walking topwater lure doesn't produce a bite, try a buzzbait first thing in the morning. It can prove to be an excellent alternative.

Anyone who chooses to fish low-water conditions needs to understand that there are no guarantees they will be able to go out and slay the fish. However, don't let that fact mess with your confidence. Stay the course, and you very well may have some of the better days you've ever recorded on the water.