Q
uarries and draw pits are some of
the most overlooked fisheries in
the country.
Why?
Even when you find them, they can be hard to
access. At times, they can be hard to fish, too.
But hold fish, they do! And many such waters
produce big fish, too!
Quarry waters are the cavities that fill with
water after a rock mining operation.
Draw pits are those little lakes you commonly
see along major highways. Road construction operations extract earthen material for
bridges, road construction and related needs.
The leftover holes fill with water. Most draw
pits are on the property of private landowners, but many are formally or informally open
to anglers.
Communities and county districts often purchase surrounding lands to create public
parks around these often-scenic waters. Some
become pay-to-fish waters that depend on intelligent management practices to maintain
quality fishing.
Focus On Fertile Pits
Quarries and draw pits may take time — or a
little help from man — to reach their fish-producing peak, however.
Most start out clear and infertile until various life forms take hold and help form a viable
food chain.
If you have a hand or influence over the management practices of the pit, consider fertilizing the lake regularly — but carefully — to
increase the lake’s fish-pound-per-acre capacity. Effective fertilization could increase its
fish output three to eight times!
But Nature can take care of the job on her
own, too, though she usually moves at a far
more leisurely pace.
Extreme water clarity and relatively bare
banks are almost sure signs of young and
probably infertile pits. As waters gain fertility, you will see either darker water or more
aquatic plants – simple signs that the lake has
the underpinnings of a productive food chain.
Don’t shy from clear water alone. These lakes
are likely to remain clearer than your average
farm pond even when their pounds-per-acre
capacity has multiplied. Submerged vegetation may not be immediately visible either.
Unless the land/lake owner had the foresight
to drop cover and create structure, the lake
bottom may be relatively featureless. That
will change somewhat – though not always
dramatically — as the lake ages. Over time,
banks erode to create points and flats. These
become not only fundamental structural elements but areas where vegetation and cover
can accumulate and create prime shelter and
feeding areas.
Never ignore subtle points, corners, grass edges and pockets, which are prime locations to
find bass and panfish. Look for drainpipes and
runoff areas that may have created channels
and ledges.
Emergent vegetation such as reeds, cattails
and matted vegetation could play important
seasonal roles, particularly in spring.
Also look for signs that fishermen have planted
their own cover. A cast that snags up on a tree
branch 30 feet from shore could be evidence
of sunken brush that harbors bass, crappie,
bluegill, catfish and almost any other species.
FHM
Fishhound Mag | Page 12