A lowland reservoir is a man-made body of water that is typically located in a low-lying area. It is created by constructing a dam or similar structure across a river or stream, which then causes the water to collect and form a large, lake-like body of water. The term "lowland" refers to the fact that these reservoirs are typically located in low-lying areas as opposed to mountainous regions.
Lowland reservoirs are often used to store water for a variety of purposes, including irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, and as a source of drinking water for nearby communities. They can also provide recreational opportunities such as fishing, boating, and swimming.
Structure and Cover in Lowland Reservoirs
Lowland reservoirs typically have a variety of structures and covers that bass use for cover and foraging. Some common types include:
Points and Humps: These are underwater structures that jut out into the reservoir, forming a point or hump on the lake floor. They create a drop-off that bass use as an ambush point for prey.
Creek Channels: Reservoirs often have creeks that feed into them, and bass will frequently hold along the channel edges, especially where the channel makes a turn or narrows.
Brush Piles: Brush piles can be man-made or natural, and they provide cover for bass as well as baitfish.
Standing Timber: Standing timber is a popular cover for bass, especially if it's in deeper water. It provides shade, cover, and ambush points for bass.
Rock Piles: Rock piles or riprap provide cover for bass, as well as a hard substrate for algae and other prey to grow on.
Weedbeds: Reservoirs with vegetation can provide excellent bass habitat, especially if the weeds grow near drop-offs or other structures.
Docks: Docks and other man-made structures provide cover for bass, especially if they're in deeper water.
Submerged Roadbeds: Some reservoirs have submerged roadbeds that were flooded when the reservoir was created. These can be productive areas for bass to hold and forage.
Tips for Fishing Lowland Reservoirs During the Prespawn
By following these tips, you'll have a better chance of catching more bass during the prespawn on lowland reservoirs:
Look for staging areas: During the prespawn, bass tend to congregate near areas where they will eventually spawn. These areas are often shallow, warmer, and have some cover nearby. Look for pockets, points, and flats near deep water breaks where bass can stage before moving to the spawning grounds.
Use slow-moving lures: During the prespawn, bass are less active and tend to move slowly. This means you should use lures that mimic slow-moving prey like crawfish, worms, or baitfish. Some good choices include jigs, lipless crankbaits, jerkbaits, spinnerbaits, and chatterbaits.
Vary your retrieves: While slow-moving lures are effective during the prespawn, it's also important to vary your retrieves to see what the bass are responding to. Try varying between slow, steady retrieve, a stop-and-go retrieve, or even a "yo-yo" retrieve where you bounce the lure off the bottom to entice cool water bass into striking.
Focus on cover: Bass love cover during the prespawn. Look for areas with vegetation, rocks, logs, docks, or anything else that can provide shelter plus ambush points for bass. Cast your lure near the cover and work it thoroughly and repetitively to entice a strike.
Pay attention to water temperature: As the water temperature warms up during the prespawn, bass will become more active and start moving more towards the shallows. Look for areas where the water is slightly warmer than the surrounding water and you may find more active fish.
Take a few minutes and listen to bass pro Kevin VanDam as he discusses one of his approaches to fishing lowland reservoirs during the prespawn:
Just remember to be patient and persistent, and don't be afraid to try different lures and techniques until you find what works best.
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