Where All The Fish At Right Now?

[Sore Thumbs]

Bass are being caught on A-rigs and jigs. They are suspended and very hard to pinpoint. You can go to a place similar to where you caught them and not get a bite. It's tough out there. Is there still ice around Hickory area or is it gone?

[JohnF52]

I talked recently to one of the local fisheries biologists, specifically about Ozark streams, but it would hold for shallower parts of river and large creek arms in lakes as well. He said look for natural springs. They come out at about 56 degrees F. The fish congregate in this warmer water.

[Dan the fisherman]

Hmm. Interesting bit of info.

[vuekid]

How you found any natural springs yet lol

[J-Doc]

They are all over the lake. Just because there is a spring present does not guarantee fish will be on it. I've checked some this winter and due to low water, they were not around. Deeper springs have a better chance.

Springs typically last for many many years however, they can dry up and new ones open up.

It's fascinating really.

[JohnF52]

Typically, the presence of deep water over a spring formerly on land or in shallow water will cause it to shut off or greatly diminish. Some kind of temperature probe would be needed anyway to pinpoint a spring. My original post was referring to springs in shallow water feeders.

[J-Doc]

Yep. No springs in the lake. Move along. :-)

[vuekid]

Lol

[JohnF52]

It is fact if the overlying hydrostatic pressure is greater than the pressure of the spring flow, a spring in a lake bottom will cease to flow. Most springs are found in valleys where the pressure of surrounding aquifer water at higher elevations forces it out of the ground. There used to be a huge spring near the present location of the Blue Springs boat ramp. We used to swim there before the lake. It was very clear and cold, and was full of sculpins. I have heard no evidence that it is still flowing.