They drew Lake Murray (SC) down for dam repairs a couple of years ago for a lengthy period. Small saplings grew up all around the shore which made some good sparse cover.. I'm with mhall on fishing a drawn down lake. They really stack up fish in the fall and winter. In the spring though, I think it's better to have the lake full or close to it. While water stability is a must for a successful spawn, shore line cover is very important for the survival of the bass fry. If it were my local lake, I would plant some additional shallow brush for them..... and some deeper brush for myself!