In the summer months when there is limited flow through the lakes, most big fish will be caught in 8-15 feet of water. This behavior is not by accident. To survive, fish and other aquatic animals need sufficient levels of dissolved oxygen in the water. When oxygen depletion occurs, the fish start looking for higher levels where they will be more comfortable.
The relatively shallow water will contain more oxygen, especially after a big wind that has resulted in lots of wave action. The wind and waves mix the surface water and increase the rate at which oxygen from the air can be dissolved into the water. The fish need the dissolved oxygen to survive.
Anglers that recognize this phenomenon will increase their success by fishing shallow.
