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How does one fish and extremely shallow lake?

James Niggemeyer

Question:
How does one fish an extremely shallow lake?  The lake is 6' deep on the south end with several cattail islands and is only 11' on the north end.  It has water flowing through it due to storm drains on both ends.  Between the south end and north the water depth averages about 2 1/2feet.

-Jon


Answer:
Where is this place sounds like my cup of tea. While I am not afraid to shove off the bank I am a self proclaimed
bank beater. Mixing it up in the mud is what I like to do! It comes with its own set of challenges, but once you condition yourself its fun.

You didn't say much about the water clarity so I will assume its stained. A happy medium between clear and murky.

Ditches, drains, or any kind of depth contour will be big on places like this. Fish use them for migrating from spot to spot and for feeding. You'll probably have to get some sort of depth finder. Not necessarily a fish finder, because it won't be as effective at that as you'll right on top of them for it to pick them up. A flasher would be great.

You mentioned cat tails. These are good if there is some depth in there. You'll be surprised how shallow they will get. Now if they fall over and create some sort of overhead cover then that is all the better. Anything and I mean anything is good if they can get underneath it. Again, if they can get under it you'll be surprised just how shallow they'll get.

You mentioned current: However slight it may be use it to your advantage as the fish will. If current is moving through then you will see it come around obstructions and focus on those ambush spots.

Important: In real shallow water is where fishing is most like hunting. These fish can be spooky so be careful to be as quite as possible and make subtle movements in your boat.

Hope this helps-let us know!

James Niggemeyer
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