Using Low Water Tables to Your Advantage

Contributed by: Murf

Let me start by disclosing my preferred conditions for the very best of fishing days: I like full lakes. I like high tide on the Delta. I like as much cover available to bass to be submerged, because I know that’s when they’ll be the most aggressive and easiest to target.

That being said, I also value summers on Santa Clara Valley lakes like this one will be. We just went through what water supply professionals categorize as a poor water year, a year in which we didn’t receive enough rainfall in the past winter and spring to fully recharge ground-water supplies to levels that will keep our reservoirs and percolation ponds full throughout the summer.

Some anglers like the low water conditions we will see on our water bodies this summer, because it provides for conditions in which lots of fish will congregate to the few deep water locations hospitable for over-summering bass. The fish will be there, and if you can figure out how to pattern them, you could conceivably hook a number of quality fish from one point regularly. Unfortunately, most fish turn completely indifferent to our various offerings under these conditions, which makes catching them difficult despite the fact that we know exactly where they are holding.

With water levels low, there is one thing you can do to greatly increase your hook-up to cast ratio - not for this season, but for next spring - Lace up your hiking boots and go on an exploration to study the exposed bottom of your favorite lake.

An almost-empty lake is an educational opportunity for a bass angler. Take a notebook and pencil, or a digital camera if that’s more your style. Look for and record exposed terrain and structures that are under water in most years. Notice any obvious drop-offs, rock outcroppings, brush piles, sunken boats, or fallen trees. Look for historic creek channels that may harbor cold water refuges for fish in summers when the reservoir is full. The prime spawning bed that you stumble upon on dry land in August will likely hold a trophy female next May once the reservoir is holding more water and the fish are bedding.

Look for upward-elevation landmarks to describe the locations of the prime cover and beds you discover during your low-lake hikes, and draw yourself a map, noting normal and periodic high water levels of the reservoir. Highlight shallow water cover and spawning areas that have close access to deeper water. Return to those spots and hit them relentlessly when the lake levels rise again, and you’ll be targeting the best spots for big bass on your favorite lake.

The Pontoon’s Maiden Voyage

The only time I have ever fished on the water was from a boat. It was either an aluminum boat, fishing boat, wakeboarding boat, houseboat - I think you get the picture. That was up until this past weekend when I had a chance to christen the pontoon I purchased on Craigslist last week. It’s an eight foot Bucks Bag pontoon and since I have never tubed before I can’t really compare the two but what I can do is share with you is my very first tooning experience.

The Purchase

When I was looking for a pontoon I took several factors into account. First off, I wanted something that was affordable. I was a Craigslist mad man for a few weeks. There were a couple that I called but since I wasn’t ready they were quickly snatched up by other buyers. Then I saw this Bucks Bag and since my brother had told me a while back that they make a great toon I was on it. I was looking every day hoping that the items that I had listed on eBay would sell so I could buy it. Just when I was ready the item disappeared from Craigslist but I still had the number and I called. The rest is history.

The Breakdown

When I purchased it we had to take off the pontoons to fit it in my Yukon. It was actually pretty easy and letting the air out was the simple press of a button. The one thing I did notice though is that the frame will not break down all that easy. It’s connected by the bolts in the seat but luck for me it fit and I didn’t have to take out any screws. My wife had left some items from mother’s day so room was tight but it still made it.

Putting everything back together was just as easy as it came apart. It was a little difficult getting the back straps on because of the custom built aluminum platform. Other then that it was back in working order in a matter of minutes.

The Transport

I emptied out the Yukon in preparation for my Sunday Almaden Reservoir trip. I removed our car seats and rear seats and folded the back row down. I was hoping that I didn’t have to break it down and I was leery of placing it on the roof with straps. I was lucky. It fit like a glove, literally. No space left on each side. It was as though the truck was designed for this thing. Awesome.

The Maiden Voyage.

Rowing was pretty easy to pick up but what I liked most about it was knowing that I was now able to fish all of the places where they didn’t allow boats. It was also nice to see how easy it was to maneuver and how high I sat up on the water. If I wanted to I could have kept my feet up on the stirrups and not get wet but I chose to go with some Force Fins and some waders (Review on the Force Fins later). The whole experience was pretty darn cool. I managed to pull in a five pound bass that day - good sign.

Anyhow, I’d like to make a suggestion. If you don’t have a tube or toon then get one. You can find great deals on eBay and Craigslist and if you can’t afford it at the moment, save for it. It’s a great experience especially when you are with friends. There are plenty of lakes in our area that do not allow boats: Uvas, Perc Ponds, Lexington, Chesbro, Coyote (Due to Lake Level), Almaden, and Stevens Creek. That means less pressure and in most cases bigger fish.

Good luck! Now it’s time to add some accessories.

Marce

San Jose Bass Continues to Grow….

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has contributed to SanJoseBass.com. We now have 79 members signed up to the forum and most of you who signed up sent me positive feedback on the site, which I fully appreciate. Like many of you anglers out there I thought it was time for someone to create a site dedicated to the lakes and reservoirs we visit so often. As I stated in my previous post, I grew up fishing these places and now it’s time for us to share our experiences with one another in our quest to land the big one (10+).

The Photos Section

The photos section is up and running. If you need to resize a photo then I suggest you download Image Resizer from Microsoft (google: Windows XP Power Toys). This tool will allow you to right click on any image and quickly create a resized copy. If you need any additional assistance you can always send me a Personal Message in the forums or shoot me an email directly. I am also in the process of doing some minor upgrades there so people can see the email address of the person who posted the photo. Let’s get more photos in! There’s a tutorial link located in the Photos Section.

The Forums

I will be looking to add some moderators in the Forums section. Since I have a day job I sometimes do not have the time to check each entry. Also, if you are a member of an existing Bass Club and would like to use my forum as a place to post your club news, rules, etc… I will gladly create a space for you and allow you to moderate your own board. Send me a PM or email and I will gladly assist you on this. I recently added Lexington and Chesbro and alphabetized the fishing reports section to simplify things a bit. Be sure to spread the word about the forum here. The more people we get the better for all of us. Agree?

The Reports Section

This one is pretty much self explanatory. Be sure to post your fishing reports in the reports section so that many years from now you can go back and search what was working back then. If you would like for me to add some additional lakes and reservoirs let me know.

Suggestion Box

By no means do I think I am a professional website designer (or fisherman for that matter) so I need your help. If you think there is something missing on the site then tell me and I’ll do my best to get it for you guys. I added an Open Forum section in the forum where you can post your requests and/or suggestions. There are many other sites out there, which I still use on occasion, but they are lacking when it comes to reports of our lakes and reservoirs.

Again, thanks everyone for all of your support and forum entries. If we continue to grow at this rate we’ll all be happy campers. Be cool, have fun, and enjoy your days and nights on the water. If you’re interested in helping me keep the site updated let me know.

Thanks!

Marce