LITTLE ROCK — For the second year in a row, dry conditions throughout most of The Natural State have led to many lakes and ponds sitting at lower water levels than anglers and boaters experienced throughout spring and early summer. The cooling, lower water of fall can concentrate baitfish and bass, making for great fishing experiences, but it also can create a few hazards for boaters unfamiliar with navigating lakes during this time of year.
According to the Arkansas Water Plan, reservoirs and ponds in Arkansas typically lose up to 46 inches of water level during the year through evaporation, with most of that occurring from July through September. These three months also are some of the driest of the year in Arkansas.
Besides lack of rainfall and increased evaporation, many Arknasas lakes see lower water levels to accommodate the influx of water that typically occurs in late fall. A few lakes also see intentional water level drops in winter to combat aquatic vegetation issues or allow neighboring landowners to fix docks and boathouses.
No matter the reason for the reduction, low water levels bring many unseen hazards closer to the surface. Stumps and rock piles that once sat well out of range are within reach of your boat motor’s lower unit and propeller.
“When water levels are low, it’s really important to slow down a little, especially if you’re not familiar with navigating the lake you’re fishing during this time of year,” Jeremy Risley, Black Bass Program Coordinator for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, said. “Stay near the channel, and if you’re in a lake or river that has navigation buoys, stay inside those markers when you have the boat on plane.”
Risley also suggests using your electronics as much as possible, especially if you have topographic maps and a GPS system available.