Our north Texas lakes suffered greatly during the drought which thankfully ended last year. Many went from the 19-25% full range to being 100% in a two week period which was miracle in itself. However, with the great influx of water from the big rains we had in May, also came mud and silt that still has not settled making most of them a chocolate mess. Not gonna lie here, but it seems if now we are stuck fishing the Dead Sea. Several tournaments have ended with only 1 or 2 fish weighed in with 20 boats fishing. Just looking for some insight from someone who might know what actually happens to the fish in a situation like this. Has the population disappeared due to the drought? Do the fish hang out where they did during the drought? Do they move shallow and hang tight to cover? What are your thoughts?

It's been my experience they stay where they are till the water settles down some. Usually the PH plays a major role in a lake when a lot of fresh water comes in. As the water stabilizes they will move shallower. And of course water temp plays a major role this time of year as to where they will hang out.

Thanks Ranger, up here on lake Arrowhead the fish tend to stay shallow because of the muddy water so that could explain some but man it sucks to get skunked on the closest lake. We are finding plenty of baitfish but just can't seem to pinpoint where the fish have settled. Hoping that the fish will move back shallow when the temps come up.

You guys had a heck of a drought on that lake,TPW may have to stock that lake again,that may be some tuff fishing there for awhile,also like Ranger said water temp has a lot to do with it also.From my experience I've caught good fish shallow in muddy to stained water.Does Arrowhead have any kind of cover?

Yes, they have restocked (or at least that is what I was told) and we are anxiously awaiting for the next year or two to pass to let them grow. Hoping to have a good spawn too. Lots of brush that was covered About 2-3 years worth of growth. Lots of fishy looking places just not too many fish lol.

I remember seeing in the paper last year a picture of TPWD releasing something like 115,000 3"-4" green trash fish into Lake Arrowhead.

They should already be back up shallow. Be a shame if a lot off fish died on Arrowhead.

Once water remains constant, shallow, pending water temps and time of year.

Have you tried Eddleman/Graham? You might have better luck down there. To me, Arrowhead has always been tough, except for the huge schools of sand bass off the dam in early spring.

A lot of fish died in Arrowhead but more were caught. Not too hard to find and catch them when the lake was at 30 percent capacity.

I caught more large bass at Graham while crappie fishing than any other lake. Jigs or minnows it didnt matter. Biggest was a 9 lb bass and he went right back in the water....