How does winter draw down affect the fish?

**eminart** · 10-12-2017, 11:53 AM

What do fish do this time of year (still early fall) when TVA (or whoever) drops the water a few feet? Do they just move to remain at about the same depth they were? Or does it affect them more? I know the fall weather is going to affect them. Just wondering about the lower water level in the short term.

About 3 weeks ago, I was doing alright on Wheeler. But, my past couple of trips, not so much. I'm fishing the same areas, but not finding many fish. I don't know it's the warm weather, water levels, just bad luck, or I'm not holding my mouth right.

Just curious to hear others' experiences.

**lowe175** · 10-12-2017, 02:16 PM

It does affect they in some spots, like if you're catching the in 8fow when they dropp the water they will probably leave that spot because is 4ft deep now. Now if you catching them in deep spots they may stay. It really depends on how and where to how it will affect them.

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**mighty** · 10-12-2017, 10:15 PM

Ive noticed that they seem to be more stacked up when the water drops.

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**CrappieFlopper** · 10-13-2017, 06:31 AM

Sane as always water temp. and shad.

**Bob D** · 10-13-2017, 08:15 AM

This time of year, keep track of the shad and where they go. The crappie will be right there with them. Usually when they drop the water the shad will move. On Wheeler the water levels fluctuate greatly. You'd be better off figuring out what the fish do when the water levels rise and fall as much as they do there. I've seen 8' fluctuations in a 2-3 day period at times on that lake.

**Spaceman** · 10-13-2017, 08:54 AM

Follow the shad moving into the creeks when the water falls and cools. Also, concentrate on structure.

**Slabprowler** · 10-13-2017, 11:33 AM

**BAMA S** · 10-13-2017, 11:41 AM

We fish deeper water as it drops over structure.

**eminart** · 10-13-2017, 12:14 PM

Thanks, everyone! I appreciate the responses. I fish from a kayak, so where I put in largely determines where I'm going to fish. I can move, but not miles. When the fish aren't biting, sometimes I start second guessing where I decided to fish.

**CrappieFlopper** · 10-14-2017, 06:30 AM

We all second guess sometimes, just follow the shad.Look for bait balls.

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