effects of high water on lake fishing....

[CALVINIST]

Going on a family vacation up to Pelican lake in Orr in about a week, hoping to catch panfish, bass, pike, and walleyes. I hear the water is REALLY high right now. My question is, how does high water in lakes affect fishing in general? Does high water on lakes (not rivers) turn the fish off? I suppose it might be species specific. Any thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated.

[kkahmann]

I've kept track for the last 30 years on Lake Nipigon. Water levels fluctuate here because of the Hydro electric dams on the only outflow. High water years are ALWAYS better fishing.

[fishinJohn]

I'm not an expert but I would think visibility would be down so vibration and scent may help you more than having the perfect color. Watch out for emergency no-wake rules.

[Nick Kuhn]

Most lakes are cyclic, with high water years offering good fishing and better fish spawning (as more shoreline structure is available). Low water years help by allowing for weed growth to extend further into the lake, creating more structure for fish. In general during high water years fish are in more accessible areas.

[fishingman13]

High waters means that the fish will come up more shallow and that the fishing will also be all around better.

[Ely Lake Expert]

i don't know about the high water history, but ely lake has been good fishing so far this year

[SledNeck]

is there smallmouth over 3 lbs in the lake?

[fishingman13]

I have always had better fishing when the water is high, but thats just personally.