It's been kind of slow in the crappie section with all the rain we have had. I figured I would get a discussion going about rising and falling lake levels. I am still a new to crappie fishing compared to lots of guys on this forum. Just curious to hear people's experiences with the high water levels. Fishing is worse or better? They will be changing quite a bit over the next week or so.

If it's a drastic change the bite will be affected but just a small change then not so much. Lots of variables such as time of year, spawn, pre-spawn etc... that high water will impact. Regardless though, fish have to eat. Just one opinion of many.

Let's focus more on this time of year. The water is really high in most of our lakes right now

Obviously the deep fish aren't affected as much compared to the creek fish. It's also tougher when water is being released not held

This year, has been a "Wash Out", on my lake! I am off work for two weeks and no place to go, within 100mi.

Crappie are generally deeper this time of year, so you have to find them, some lakes are not as affected by heavy rains as others, depends on watershed, Bob Sandlin is one. Bad conditions brings out the dedicated fishermen.

Fish it like you would in a high wind, stay out the water movement as much as you can. The south side of roadways, coves that have little drainage and such. Just a differ mind set, but if you can find them should be good fishing.

Fluctuation in lake water levels doesn't affect the fish as much in winter as spring. Slowly rising or falling water when releases are on going will not hinder the bite as drastically as in spring. Quick water level changes always affects the fish such as the 1+ ft of water in a 24 hr or less period of time. Some lakes have risen as much as 2+ ft in a 24 hr period and that will definitely affect the fish. Right now, water temps have been hanging at 58-62 degrees for most lakes. Influx of new water will affect the bait fish especially with the temps in this range. The bait is not concentrated at deeper depths like it is when the temps are 54 and below. IMHO the rains we've had recently have scattered the fish more than usual and finding them is tough right now.
The creek fishermen are finding things tough right now also but that will soon change. Fish do not like swimming with a current and will swim upstream or face the current almost always. The rains we've had, have fallen in relatively warm temps, therefore the runoff is warmer water comparatively. The shad that normally go up creeks/rivers should be there in good numbers. As soon as currents slow, the normal creek holes should hold good numbers of crappie. Even if the rain falls thru cold air, the water travels over warmer ground and is warmed as it moves along. Hence, one of the reasons shad migrate up the creeks.

The rising and lowering of water levels will move the fish around. Usually if the lake rises it will scatter the fish. If the lake is falling it tends to concentrate them. The fish that I have been on are moving with every change in the water level. Its going to be another rough spring if we keep getting floods.

Great posts Anthony and Ken!

Good stuff!