How well do you think smallmouth can see in an algae stained river?

[Ohioguy25]

The last two summers have been hot and dry, this year it started early.  The low water levels, slow flows and intense heat have caused an explosive algae bloom that leaves the water column entirely speckled with green particles, and causing a perpetual stain that reduces visibility somewhat.  
 

How much if at all do you suppose this inhibits smallmouth’s vision? Do you think it demands the use of large spinnerbaits and Chatterbaits or do you treat it like normal Clearwater conditions when the river is at summer pool?

[Blue Raider Bob]

My opinion may not be very helpful as I've had a tough year so far, but I tend to use a more visible soft bait such as a Zman Laguna Shrimp TicklerZ in stained water. It may be psychological on my part but it sometimes works, as well as builds my confidence. I also use a Mepps inline spinner in stained water. It creates visibility as well as turbulence. I haven't had success with conventional spinnerbaits but probably someone here has. Really would like to hear from them. I am having the same issues with low, slow, stained water.

[Ohioguy25]

22 minutes ago, Blue Raider Bob said:

My opinion may not be very helpful as I've had a tough year so far, but I tend to use a more visible soft bait such as a Zman Laguna Shrimp TicklerZ in stained water. It may be psychological on my part but it sometimes works, as well as builds my confidence. I also use a Mepps inline spinner in stained water. It creates visibility as well as turbulence. I haven't had success with conventional spinnerbaits but probably someone here has. Really would like to hear from them. I am having the same issues with low, slow, stained water.

I’m asking more whether or not algae stain actually functions the same as mud stain 

[drakesndrum]

River was stained after overnight rains this morning; I have to think it would be similar to algae stain, unless you have algae literally floating all through the water column.  Either way, Chatterbait Mini-Max 3/8oz with a Baby Rage Craw trailer was killing them up to 19.75".

[VolFan]

I doubt the clarity is affecting them. It’s more likely the warm water temperatures that go with the blooms and the post spawn blues that are decreasing their activity.

[Ohioguy25]

40 minutes ago, VolFan said:

I doubt the clarity is affecting them. It’s more likely the warm water temperatures that go with the blooms and the post spawn blues that are decreasing their activity.

How long do the post spawn blues typically last 

[VolFan]

Just like marriage, until they’re happy again. 

[Ohioguy25]

40 minutes ago, VolFan said:

Just like marriage, until they’re happy again. 

Do you generally find it to be closer to the start of summer before the bite picks back up?

[Susky River Rat]

I would think algae bloom has less effect than mud. Is this bloom only in the first 6-12” of the water column?

[Ohioguy25]

7 minutes ago, Darnold335 said:

I would think algae bloom has less effect than mud. Is this bloom only in the first 6-12” of the water column?

Hard to say, it appears to be all throughout but I can’t see where it ends or begins.

[Susky River Rat]

3 minutes ago, Ohioguy25 said:

Hard to say, it appears to be all throughout but I can’t see where it ends or begins.

Gotcha. Regardless bloom or chocolate milk water has never really changed much for me. I think it effects you and I more then the fish.

[Spankey]

On 6/6/2023 at 2:29 PM, Ohioguy25 said:

The last two summers have been hot and dry, this year it started early.  The low water levels, slow flows and intense heat have caused an explosive algae bloom that leaves the water column entirely speckled with green particles, and causing a perpetual stain that reduces visibility somewhat.  
 

How much if at all do you suppose this inhibits smallmouth’s vision? Do you think it demands the use of large spinnerbaits and Chatterbaits or do you treat it like normal Clearwater conditions when the river is at summer pool?

I have not seen this very often over the years. Do these algae blooms decrease oxygen levels in the water? Does heavy enough algae effect their gills? Do the fish move away from these conditions?

I have not seen this condition too often. 

 

[MickD]

While my opinion is in no way expert, I'll state it:

 

I've caught many smallies in pretty cloudy water, but it was mud from wave action.  They seem to find a way to find the lure, even without noise.

 

Algae, if it has an effect, IMHO, is more likely to be not in its effect on vision but more on the "temperament" of the fish.  I think algae may turn them off.

[TnRiver46]

I’ve caught em in chocolate milk water, never seen an algae bloom as our water doesn’t sit still 

[Ohioguy25]

13 hours ago, TnRiver46 said:

I’ve caught em in chocolate milk water, never seen an algae bloom as our water doesn’t sit still 

Yeah it’s pretty wild it was especially bad last summer with the drought we had.