By JAMES L. CUMMINS
Special to The Sun-Sentinel
Tailwater is defined as the water below a flood control dam or hydroelectric facility that is subject to changes in flow caused by varying water release rates.
Tailwater can be viewed as two very different fisheries in one river because of the two water levels that can be found in tailwater areas.
When little or no water is being released from the dam, low water conditions exist. When power generation is in process or when water is released for flood control needs, then high water conditions occur.
Water conditions provide excellent opportunities for catching fish, with low water being optimal for wading fishermen and high water warranting fishing from the bank or a boat.
Mississippi is fortunate to have several tailwater areas. These areas are popular with anglers because they hold large numbers of fish such as catfish, crappie, striped bass and white bass. They are also easily accessible.
Gizzard shad represent a large percentage of the fish in the flood-control reservoirs and the largest percentage of fish that go through the spillway. This is the main reason crappie and catfish are such a common species to fish for in tailwaters. The best time to fish for crappie is November through March, while catfish are most popular during the summer months.
Riprap lines the banks below the spillways and small fish hide in them. Larger fish will patrol the riprap looking for food.
Fish will feed more during times of water generation. The oxygenated water, as well as the swift current, causes fish to burn more energy, therefore needing more food to sustain them.
The large, hardy fish of tailwaters are usually willing to take lures or bait under almost any condition. Anglers are often amazed at not only the number of fish, but also the fierce fight they yield.
Safety is a concern for anglers fishing tailwaters. One must pay careful attention to water levels and his or her surroundings when fishing. It is always a good idea to wear a personal flotation device regardless of initial water levels because the rate of water flow can increase so rapidly that even the most experienced anglers can be caught off guard.
The constant temperatures found in tailwaters allow aquatic insects to flourish, which provide fish with a constant source of food. In tailwaters, hatches occur often, with multiple hatches occurring simultaneously. This steady diet allows the fish to grow at astonishing rates which equates to ample opportunities to catch large fish year-round. For example, a former world record brown trout — at 44 pounds, 4 ounces — was taken in 1992, on the Little Red River tailwater below Greer’s Ferry in Heber Springs, Arkansas.
While it is acceptable to keep the fish you catch in tailwater, you must comply with creel and size limits. These limits are in place to protect the fishery from over-harvesting.
James L. Cummins is executive director of Wildlife Mississippi, a nonprofit, conservation organization founded to conserve, restore and enhance state fish, wildlife and plant resources. The website is www.wildlifemiss.org.
