Beaver Dam Removal

[Josh McGuire]

I've been fishing a large pond that consistently produces 4-5 lb Largemouth and the occasional really big fish for 3 years now.

The Pond has always had a large beaver dam at the mouth of the drainage ditch - run off creek leading out of the pond.

It was probably 8' at it's deepest point and loaded with milfoil and always a consistent bite.

I went to fish it a few weeks ago and the beaver dam and been removed via excavator and the water level had dropped 18"-24" easy.

I've fished it 3 times since the water level dropped and haven't gotten bit once.  Very abnormal for this spot.

Anyone have any experience with this?  

Any idea how this abrupt water level change might affect the fish?

I went today and didn't even see a sign of life in the water.....no baitfish visable whatsoever.

[TnRiver46]

Well if they didn’t get rid of the beavers the dam will be back in no time 

[Jonas Staggs]

Not a beaver dam but had a similar experience with water drop in a pond

[Dogface]

I fish a pond in NE PA. The beavers dam the spillway constantly. I like to keep the water level up by leaving the beaver dam in place but if heavy rains are expected I try to get the beaver dam height down below the level of the earthen dam to prevent the water from washing over the top of the earthen dam. When we knock the beaver dam down the water level drops about 2 foot. 

 

My experience is that the larger bass move back away from the dam when the water is down. I can still catch some smaller bass near the dam but no where near the number or the size I catch when the level is up just two feet. 

 

BTW those beavers make some tough dams!!

[Tennessee Boy]

I’m just wondering,  are beavers required to get a pond permit?

[J Francho]

16 minutes ago, Tennessee Boy said:

I’m just wondering,  are beavers required to get a pond permit?

Only in New York state.

[Bird]

I asked that same question on here a while back.

One of the local lakes I've fished with good success was lowered to do ramp and dock work. 

Never got a single bite that day so suspect it has an effect. 

 

Always search for excuses when I get skunked......yep, low water. Lol

[RB 77]

4 hours ago, J Francho said:

Only in New York state.

 

Permits were permanently revoked for all future building in the state of CA.