DON'T PACK UP JUST YET

PHOTO BY AUDRA SPEARS

You still have a couple of weeks to tube, ski, surf and cruise at Lake Martin before the water level begins its descent toward winter pool’s 484 mean sea level feet, and that could bring some welcome changes for local anglers. Alabama Power declared the extension of summer pool on Sept. 1 when conditions in the Tallapoosa and Coosa river systems met the criteria for an additional six weeks of summer pool at 490 feet msl.

The fall extension provision of Alabama Power’s license to operate Martin Dam allows the summer pool level to be maintained through Oct. 15 when reservoirs throughout the river systems indicate water flow is sufficient to supply navigational depths downstream in the Alabama River. If this criteria is not met on Sept. 1 of each year, the drawdown to winter pool would begin.

Historically, water temperatures hover near 80 degrees the first few weeks of October but are in a pronounced decline by Oct. 15. That means swimming, skiing, surfing and pulling the grandkids behind the boat on tubes could still be on the agenda for weekends at the lake for a couple more weeks.

While the fall extension puts a bit of pressure on the

Yannual Renew Our Rivers cleanup volunteers (see the article on page 36), Alex City Guide Service Capt. David Hare said it won’t affect striper fishing at Lake Martin. “It doesn’t make any difference on the fishing in October. It should be good regardless of whether the lake is full or down. Personally, I like the winter pool level because you don’t have as much water to cover to keep up with the fish,” he said. The fall extension has a more direct effect on bass fishing, said Major League Fishing bass pro angler Greg Vinson. “The bass on Lake Martin are accustomed to a fall drawdown, and unlike other times of year, it can help the fishing,” he said. “With the end of the fall extension, Alabama Power is pulling a large amount of water out of the reservoir, causing some extra current in the lake. Then, the water falling out of the shallows concentrates the forage, like shad and bream. The bass know it’s time to feed up for winter.” So don’t put up the lake toys just yet but get the fishing gear ready. The fall extension could be a bonus for recreational and fishing seasons on Lake Martin.