Hey guys, I am just curious as to how all of this flooding and flushing out of the river might impact fishing this year and in the future. I am wondering if it will stir all the fish up and relocate a lot of them. I know the flooding will alter structure and cover in and around the river. I am just curious so if anyone has and known facts, or any experiences lets hear it. Cant wait to get some smallmouth action. While Im on the topic..I wont be going to the tusc in bolivar much this year with gas prices jumping so I was wondering if anyone knows any streams or stretches closer to Green that would hold some. I thought Canal Fulton or somewhere close to Massillon. I would even hit the Hoga more if its a bit closer. Nimi has a few smallies but not enough to go and actually target. Thanks guys, looking forward to some good posts and insight.
GULPisgreat
Tusc.River flood and flushout
1 reading
It seems that the Tusc. has flooded like this every year for the past 5 or 6 years....but I have yet to see it negatively impact the fishing. In fact, I'd say that the fishing, especially for pike, is better because of them. I talked to a couple fish biologists in Akron about it, and they believe that since the river usually floods the worst in February through March (when pike spawn), it is allowing the pike access to more vegetation like on-shore grasses and weeds for their eggs to adhere to. The aquatic vegetation the pike eggs normally need isn't really abundant on the Tusc., so access to more is a good thing, I'd imagine.
As far as other species like smallies, crappies, and catfish, I haven't noticed much of a difference in numbers or size. Perhaps someone else has some input on them....
As far as other species like smallies, crappies, and catfish, I haven't noticed much of a difference in numbers or size. Perhaps someone else has some input on them....
I haven't noticed a difference. The only thing that changes is the amount of debris in different areas. Most of the areas I catch fish are located around structure (drops, edges, eddies, converging waters....) and not cover (trees, rocks.......) and these elements do not change much with the flooding.
All the rivers are getting a good "flush" this spring! Will be some new logjams and holes to fish. Just have to give them a try! I've found that the water level also effects the location of the fish on a day to day basis. Even a 6" drop could cause them to relocate in a shallow stream. Usually find the smallies in a different spot every time, but the important thing is that I usually do find them! Gulp, give me a call and I'll show you a few spots on the Hoga this spring, and you can show me some spots on the Tusc.
How-Do Friends
Simply said...all rivers and streams on planet Earth experience two major geological/meteorological phenomena...Flood and Drought. Believe it or not a Flood is more benifical to stream or river fish than Drought. It comes down to dissolved oxygen...the real live blood of fish. The more current and flow, the higher levels of dissolved oxygen. Droughts tend to cause stagnet pools...just think of the local rivers dury a July heat wave...even the Tuscarawas is like a narrow lake at times. I have witnessed fish kills during this past summer, due to heat waves...mostly carp and sunfish.
Stream fish are built for current...and most certainly thrive during a stronger current. Often current triggers the spawning runs of many species. While we drive up and down Interstate 77 along the Tuscarawas River and it's tributaries, remember...the fish are out there. Pike are obviously upon the flood plain utilizing the abundant cover, while smallmouth are behind obsturctions (bridges, trees, and rocks) and catfish are hugging the bottom along with suckers and carp.
If Floods do anything...they allow a stream to recapture its natural habitat and course. Stream bottoms do shift, sometimes daily even during the summer, and log jams can be rescatterd. Do not fear my friends, for over thousands of years...since the Ice Ages...local rivers have flooded and experienced droughts. Good luck and be patient...time to take a few last minutes to prepare our bait and tackle for another exciting season...Do be safe around swift and high water!!!
Ohio Kingfisher..."I Cast in Current"
Simply said...all rivers and streams on planet Earth experience two major geological/meteorological phenomena...Flood and Drought. Believe it or not a Flood is more benifical to stream or river fish than Drought. It comes down to dissolved oxygen...the real live blood of fish. The more current and flow, the higher levels of dissolved oxygen. Droughts tend to cause stagnet pools...just think of the local rivers dury a July heat wave...even the Tuscarawas is like a narrow lake at times. I have witnessed fish kills during this past summer, due to heat waves...mostly carp and sunfish.
Stream fish are built for current...and most certainly thrive during a stronger current. Often current triggers the spawning runs of many species. While we drive up and down Interstate 77 along the Tuscarawas River and it's tributaries, remember...the fish are out there. Pike are obviously upon the flood plain utilizing the abundant cover, while smallmouth are behind obsturctions (bridges, trees, and rocks) and catfish are hugging the bottom along with suckers and carp.
If Floods do anything...they allow a stream to recapture its natural habitat and course. Stream bottoms do shift, sometimes daily even during the summer, and log jams can be rescatterd. Do not fear my friends, for over thousands of years...since the Ice Ages...local rivers have flooded and experienced droughts. Good luck and be patient...time to take a few last minutes to prepare our bait and tackle for another exciting season...Do be safe around swift and high water!!!
Ohio Kingfisher..."I Cast in Current"
great input guys. I always considered flooding a good thing. Its like a fresh restart and gets things up and moving, like a violent wakeup call. There should be quite a few new obstacles to fish this year with all of the trees moving around. BDAWG, I used to live in Mass. and learned a few areas for smallies. I will have to hit the hoga with ya this year.
DOVER DAM
Current Pool: 897.55 (ft) at 1100
Summer Pool: 858.00
Winter Pool: 858.00
Alert Pool: 900.00
Record Pool: 907.35 (16 Jan 2005 )
Spillway Crest: 916.00
Top of Dam: 931.00
BOLIVAR DAM
Current Pool: 943.49 (ft) at 1100
Summer Pool: * 895.00
Winter Pool: * 895.00
Alert Pool: 925.00
Record Pool: 951.65 (14 Jan 2005 )
Spillway Crest: 962.00
Top of Dam: 985.50 (with Parapet Wall)
* This is a dry dam. Seasonal Pool Elevations indicate Run of River.
Speaking of flood and flush out. WHEN WILL IT END!? And to think there is all of this snow to melt and mix in too. Im glad I live UP hill from Nimi and the creeks. Got a small stream in the backyard but it would have to get about 7 ft up to affect us. ..then again .. lol
Current Pool: 897.55 (ft) at 1100
Summer Pool: 858.00
Winter Pool: 858.00
Alert Pool: 900.00
Record Pool: 907.35 (16 Jan 2005 )
Spillway Crest: 916.00
Top of Dam: 931.00
BOLIVAR DAM
Current Pool: 943.49 (ft) at 1100
Summer Pool: * 895.00
Winter Pool: * 895.00
Alert Pool: 925.00
Record Pool: 951.65 (14 Jan 2005 )
Spillway Crest: 962.00
Top of Dam: 985.50 (with Parapet Wall)
* This is a dry dam. Seasonal Pool Elevations indicate Run of River.
Speaking of flood and flush out. WHEN WILL IT END!? And to think there is all of this snow to melt and mix in too. Im glad I live UP hill from Nimi and the creeks. Got a small stream in the backyard but it would have to get about 7 ft up to affect us. ..then again .. lol
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