There are so many lakes and reservoirs all over the world that are used for both electricity generation, and sport fishing. Not only is it a great way to generate power, but as a fisherman, you can take advantage of that generation and catch more fish.
This concept works on any type of predatory game fish you can think of. It doesn’t matter if you are bass fishing, walleye fishing, or going for something bigger like pike or musky, this technique can be really helpful.
Find That Current
When the turbines get started, that’s when the action is going to heat up. There are a number of ways to determine the water release schedule for your local lake.
You can call your State or Municipalities Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and ask for the schedule. Many lakes also post the release times online. A quick Google search for your lake should help you find the information.
Another way is to simply play it by ear. They are going to want to generate power during peak times. During summer, this means afternoon, when everyone has their air conditioners going.
In the winter time, this will mean later in the day when everyone gets their heater cranked. However you find the release times, I am going to give you some tips on fishing it!
Fishing On The Edge
These currents are not going to have a profound effect on the big predatory fish you and I are after, but they will move the bait fish. It is this movement of bait that makes fishing a current so productive.
You will find bass and other predators on the edges of the current seams—picking off the wayward bait fish for an easy meal. This is the first area you want to target. Cast past the seam, and rip that bait right through the current—the target fish will be hitting on either side of the seam.
Find A Current Break
When the current runs into a large obtrusion, like a break wall or other structure, it creates an eddy. The bait fish will congregate in these eddies because it is easier for them to swim, meaning, they don’t have to use as much energy.
Luckily, this is where the predators will be as well.
As the bait fish congregate, and swim slower along the eddies, they will be there to pick them off once again. This is when a great swim bait like the shadalicious comes into play. Present that bait as if it were just another bait fish, but add in a few twitches of the rod tip to simulate an injury, and you could be in for a big day!
Look For Fish Waiting For “Room Service”
The third great location in a current is a drop off in depth. If the current moves directly at the drop off, bass and other fish will often wait at the top of the drop off. The reason is that the current will deliver an easy meal.
Now, this is not the time to fish the drop off itself—you are actually fishing the top. Since the current is bringing that bait up the drop to the waiting fish, you need to do the same with your bait.
These three tips and locations will work on any lake that generates water, and also works very well on river lakes. Give it a try on your next trip.
See ya on the water…