Here's my thoughts.....
Drawing the lake down won't be a bad idea. Consolidating fish that are already overcrowded allows the biggest fish to consume the smaller fish, reducing your numbers anyway. And, that's what needs to be done. When the lake refills, remaining fish will reproduce, essentially restocking the lake. As long as bass don't completely eradicate bluegill, your fishery can regenerate itself. Pay close attention to migrating birds. Don't let cormorants or pelicans stay there. Those birds absolutely can eradicate all fish smaller than 16 inches. When the lake draws down, fish are pulled away from protective cover, and are exceptionally vulnerable to birds.
Feel confident to add cover and deepen shoreline areas while the lake is drawn down. What's best cover? What you have is best...if you have brush, use it. If you have tires, use them. If you have a budget, buy something. PVC pipe is excellent, wooden pallets stacked and tacked together work for small fish. Brush piles, tree trunks, rock piles, artificial creek channels...all good choices. Work the periphery, don't worry about trying to put much cover in the middle. Fish won't venture, and stay, in the deepest waters, especially during the hot months.
If you need help one on one, e-mail me at
[email protected] and I will be glad to guide you.
