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I live in the foothills of North Carolina, and fish the lakes on the Catawba River chain more than anywhere else. Summer time is posing a real problem for me on these lakes, and could use a little help. The problem is this. Generally the lake levels are at about 95% full pond, but living on the lower end of the mountain region, we get a lot of run off water from the terrible mountain rains. The hydro stations will watch the weather, and see a storm or whatever coming, and suddenly drop the lakes by 3 to 5 feet. Then the rain hits and the mountain flood water runs in, and bam, the lakes are at 100% full. Not only is the water level (depth) constantly changing, but also the water temp,(cold rain equals cooler temps) and it makes it very hard to stay on fish. Is there any secret to battling this situation, or am I just doomed. Is there a "constant" spot that the fish will always be, or are they likely to move up and down with the water and temps ????
Fishing Fever

Wish I could help, but I've never fished those kind of conditions. I'll be interested in what advice you get. Good luck, Carl.

I have only fished these conditions once in a tournament,and this is what I have learned.Sometimes bass will move to calm stable waters.When this happens,I use a jig and pig around cover.Most of my fish,have been caught on a ledge next to a drop off.On the second day of the tournament,I caught my bass,next to the current,where it meets the calm water.Bass will feed on anything that floats by in the water.I used a jerkbait,as it imitated a shad.I hope this helps you out.Sorry I couldn't be of more help.Good luck, bassman

Main lake points will always be your best shot whether the water is falling or rising, the fish just move with the water, up or down. Crankbaits or a jig and pig should catch some fish. If there are any rock bluffs, fish these too. The fish have learned to move vertically more than horizonically under your conditions. When the water rises, look for newly submerged grass or weeds, when it falls look for long tapering points, creek channels and off shore islands. Good luck, Johnnie.