When lakes and streams become flooded, fish may become more aggressive but harder to find because they become scattered. Everything is spread out because there is more water. Locating fish is the key. During rising water, bass may move shallow into flooded vegetation. Bass will look for eddies or current breaks behind debris. A small eddy may hold many fish. Also, look for areas with little cover like points with bushes or an isolated bush. Bluff walls may will hold fish as well. Look for the clearest water possible such as clear water coming in from streams or run-off areas. The lower end of the lake muddies last, and when the lower lake becomes muddy start fishing the headwaters. They key is to find the areas where active fish are holding. One of the places to find fish are surface debris areas with an eddy. Bass will hold under floating debris. Also, fish along mudlines. Bass will use the mudline to ambush prey.
Some fishing techniques and lures to use during flooding times are flipping and pitching a jig or tube. Spinnerbaits with large blades slow-rolled are good. Bass will hold in flooded water three foot or less so a buzzbait is not out of the question. Lure presentation should be natural as possible so let the current present the lure to the fish. One must watch the water for active fish. So all is not lost, but during these times you must be safe and not let yourself get into trouble in high water times.
