During cold fronts, many species move into deeper water, thick weeds or under docks, where they feel more secure. Now the last location factor is unnatural or man-made influences. By that I'm referring to any physical changes that affect fish brought on by man. Warm water discharges, boating pressure, pollution, fish ladders and dams are a few examples. Jet skis may spook fish, while boat docks and swimming rafts provide fantastic forms of cover.
Dams can be a phenomenal attractor for a variety of fish at certain times of the year.
On the flip side, fluctuating water levels caused by dams, can shut fish off like a light switch. Therein lies the challenge behind my Minnesota adventure to Mille Lacs Lake with good friend Tom Cunningham last summer. As we get underway, let's consider what we know. There's too much deep water and mid-lake structure to possibly cover in one afternoon on this massive lake. So, we'll begin our search on a large, sand-bottomed cabbage flat that goes on for miles.