How Will Rainiest Oct. On Rec. Affect Nov. Stream Fishing?

[eric1978]

I'll cast the first vote as "I have no idea," and that's why I'm asking you guys.

Note: I posted this in regard to smallmouth specifically, but feel free to vote for stream fishing in general. I'm really more interested in what this will do to normal fall smallmouth patterns of behavior.

[Wayne SW/MO]

It should make it better if you know where to look. The water they like should be bigger and better.

[brownieman]

IMO should be better...just hillbilly theory but I feel big ones tuck in and ride the high water out in the holes they live in...it'll for sure rearrange some fish...it's amazing how much a decent flood can change the overall structure of a river, some for the better, some for the worse. It generally creates some new habitat unless it's in rivers like the Current where they cater to the canoes more than the fish.

I'm in full agreement with that practice...I'd hate to see any drunken tourists tip over on a rootwad...NOT !!

later on

[fishinwrench]

It should make it better if you know where to look. The water they like should be bigger and better.

I'll second that thought.

[Brian K. Shaffer]

I voted for ' will make Nov. fishing better '.

Table Rock smallies have eluded me for years.. fly rodding for smallmouth is still somewhat of a mystery on that big lake, but speaking of river smallmouth.. different story.

The changing of rivers/creeks seems to always make new holes and new timber.

I am eager to see what others post on this one.

Brian

[ozark trout fisher]

I'll cast the first vote as "I have no idea," and that's why I'm asking you guys.

Note: I posted this in regard to smallmouth specifically, but feel free to vote for stream fishing in general. I'm really more interested in what this will do to normal fall smallmouth patterns of behavior.

I think it should make things better, both for the coming November and long term. In the long term, this may help to recharge the spring pools, so that when we do have a low rainfall period, it might have less negative affect on the streams. In the short term, it raised the water temperatures a fair bit, so I think that will help early November fishing. Once our next cold front comes in though, it won't really matter.

[eric1978]

I think it should make things better, both for the coming November and long term. In the long term, this may help to recharge the spring pools, so that when we do have a low rainfall period, it might have less negative affect on the streams.

That's a really interesting point OTF. I hadn't thought about what all this precip will do to the aquifers.

[Zack Hoyt]

Hard to define worse.....

Fishing will be harder with higher water......but this equals more fish in the water longer. This also means these fish will be feeding nicely.

Not to many normal fisherman will attempt to fish in high water. It can be difficult, not to mention trying to wade. Fishing pressure will be cut down for a while. It would be great if the fisheries division would throw a few extra fish in the water during this time.

[brownieman]

That's a really interesting point OTF. I hadn't thought about what all this precip will do to the aquifers.

From my experience excessive rainfall will help recharge the springs but not for as long as one would think.

For them to have the output they have in years past would literally take decades of excessive rainfall. I have personally done some research concerning stream flows, spring outputs, watersheds, aquifers, etc.

I don't have the answers neither can I explain the decline with the exception of where it all leads back to in many cases...'Too Much Pressure'. Old Mother Earth is struggling to keep up with mankind itself.

All our futile attempts to control her are apparantly not getting much good results. Hate to quote this guy but "Hows That Workin for Ya"...if you know of whom I speak, lol.

later on

[MaxDrown]

I have no idea, but I hope it's better in Nov.!