As winter draws closer many waters are subject to what is commonly known as a drawn down or taking water levels to “winter pool.” Generally complicating things for fish and fishermen, there is an upside to this man made phenomenon. Hidden gems in the form of bottom contours, isolated structure, distinct objects and secondary structure make an appearance and should be memorialized through committing to memory or digital photos. While sophisticated electronics can pinpoint certain fish attractors rivers constantly change and evolve. Some smaller waters, and rivers may offer a tiny nondescript clue that could produce a trophy bass or stringer of crappie to the kayak angler.

Subtle things can prove to be a gold mine. A change in bank composition, a single stump (my personal favorite) could be fifteen feet off the bank on a creek channel or in a river bend is “money”, debris stuck on the inside bend of a river, creek or stream or something as minor as the materials supporting a boat dock al could be the missing puzzle piece. I have one favorite stump normally covered by about 12 feet of water that is a part of my normal run when fish my home river. For moving water and understanding the flow of the current is key. In this case a small rock point almost imperceptible could be the holding spot for a big bass. A carefully cast square bill crankbait, a jig or spinnerbait from the upstream stream side of this spot (bas face into the current the majority of the time) is a likely start to a predictable pattern that can be used to catch a limit of fish.

A sloping sand bank is a pretty safe bet to accommodate spawning bluegill in big numbers, a submerged tree could be a crappie “house.” Ledges, drop offs, off shore humps and other bottom contours are also more visible when the water is pulled down. Boat docks and their specific structure can also be investigated. This a good time to make a mental note of the materials used and the configuration of the dock supports. Wood, concrete, PVC and any combination could be important.

Wood harbors algae which draws in bait fish AND game fish. Concrete warms up and retains the heat from the sun and draws early spring fish. Cross beams under the dock supply ambush points for bass, bluegill and crappie. I’ve caught several fish pitching jigs and soft plastic directly under docks of all sizes. Paralleling docks again with square bill crankbaits will draw a deflection bite form the dock inhabitants. Spinnerbaits and buzzbaits also pull fish from the security of the shade and cover of boat docks. Don’t dismiss the small docks or fail to pick apart the big docks with multiple slips.

Be prepared for some surprises. I’ve seen sunken vehicles (probably stolen) damaged boats, farm implements and many other odd sights. Viewed as bizarre to us their used as cover by fish.

While the winter draw down can create difficulties in launching a kayak or limit access because of the low water it’s time well spent. While you’re searching for the spring / summer secrets hidden deeper water if bait is present you’re likely to land a few fish while you explore. The time you spend now will pay dividends as spring approaches and water levels come back to normal. It’s time to discover the submerged secrets on your favorite fishing holes.