Understanding Channel Swings or Inside Turns for Pre Sapwn and Post spawn Bass

[Flyswatter]

Been reading some very dated fishing reports during this time of the year and I keep reading info like "Channel Swings" which in it's simplest term is easy to understand.  Although for me I wasn't connecting.  So off i went with google and found an interesting article from Jim Moynagh, FLW pro.  He had the same challenges when first getting out on tour so I know i'm not alone.     All said he being from the north that term is commonly known as inside turns while in the south it's known as channel swing.  Anyway,  the concept got clearer when I read his take on it.   Through trial and error as a fisherman and time spent he figured that topo characteristic out.  He said these areas are critical to pre spawn and post spawn bass as staging areas.  When  you find one or locate one you can really hit the motherload.  I still am somewhat foggy because he says you need to shallow flats near by.  So now I got to grasp that concept and locate these areas on a map.

My question:  Are Channel swings more a main channel location or does that include backs of creeks.  IF so it sounds like if you find a point with a channel swing you have located an area to use your electronics to find those staging bass.  I think I answered my own questions but any follow up appreciated.

[coldfront]

when you say 'inside swing' ... that's the 'point' formed on the inside radius of the 'bend' of the creek channel?  that's the way I took it...so there would be some 'flat' areas nearby...as opposed to the outside of the channel bend which tend to have steeper/bluff type bottom contour?


if so, would think that an 'inside channel bend/swing' on the north shoreline close to feeding flats and spawning habitat would be great starting point?

I believe I'm much more foggy on this than you.   

[Shortliner]

It is confusing. I always refer to channel swings as inside or outside bends. I think on most bodies of water the lmb do not migrate too far for seasonal changes. If you know an area where you always catch em chances are there not too far away.

[Flyswatter]

A follow up from Jim Moynah's (FLW Pro) web article.

Below is from FLW Pro Jim Moynagh's web article

Channel Swing Revisited:   

"What Do They Look Like?
So how do you recognize one of these things when you see it? In other words, what do inside turns/channel swings look like? First of all, look for them abutting the shoreline or a large, shallow flat.
Inside turns and channel swings are staging spots where bass will congregate and hold for a number of days or weeks before they move up to spawn, and then afterwards when they are done. So having quick access to the shallows is important. The key feature of inside turns and channel swings is where the slope of the drop-off changes."

https://www.sportsmansguide.com/Outdoors/Subject/SubjectRead.aspx?sid=0&aid=157560&type=A

[Flyswatter]

Per my topic thread I marked the Inside Turn that defines a Channel Swing with a red line in the map below.

[coldfront]

Per my topic thread I marked the Inside Turn that defines a Channel Swing with a red line in the map below.

that's a whole lot of ground to cover...

[Flyswatter]

The shallows flats is about 4/10's of a mile by straight line across the bank.  The Map is more of an example for folks to visualize the keypoints  to the topic.

[coldfront]

The shallows flats is about 4/10's of a mile by straight line across the bank.  The Map is more of an example for folks to visualize the keypoints  to the topic.

I see,...usually I'm looking for stuff like that in creek arms...where everything is compressed a lot more.

[Mike Cork]

This is a great example. While this particular map is dealing with main lake features, it defines this topic well.

In this particular example, I would concentraite my efforts at the southern end of this channel swing. There is a major pocket (cove) with a road bed in the back. The back of the pocket is to the west giving it the most sunlight on a given day, and has a significant northern bank line. NW corners warm the fastest and will have the first spawners.

Also it offers the quickest depth change of the area. Bass can get deep quicker than out on the main lake point. The main lake flats will have your longest period of spawners. Some will move early and spawn while others will hang in the depths and wait until the last minute.

The cover on the south side will have a large wave that will move in, do the deed and be gone. Because of the protection from the north winds, and the island in the mouth breaking up the east wind, it will warm the fastest.

[Flyswatter]

This is a great example. While this particular map is dealing with main lake features, it defines this topic well.

In this particular example, I would concentraite my efforts at the southern end of this channel swing. There is a major pocket (cove) with a road bed in the back. The back of the pocket is to the west giving it the most sunlight on a given day, and has a significant northern bank line. NW corners warm the fastest and will have the first spawners.

Also it offers the quickest depth change of the area. Bass can get deep quicker than out on the main lake point. The main lake flats will have your longest period of spawners. Some will move early and spawn while others will hang in the depths and wait until the last minute.

The cover on the south side will have a large wave that will move in, do the deed and be gone. Because of the protection from the north winds, and the island in the mouth breaking up the east wind, it will warm the fastest.

Wow Mike is that all you got to offer?   

What a great educational explanation.  I learned more from your observations then you'll ever know.  Many thanks and hope others benefit to your details.   

[Mike Cork]

Sorry, sometimes I get long winded

But map study is fun. There are always bass there and they are ready to eat, that is until you get there and try and force feed them your favorite bait

With map study there is so much potential it's always exciting.

[coldfront]

Sorry, sometimes I get long winded

you should not be apologizing for coughing up such useful stuff...

but most important:  should not be apologizing for such a wonderful intent to help.

[LoganB]

Yeah this thread has cleared up alot of confusion for me

[jboswell]

so... just to make sure I fully understand .. the red circles are the outside channel bends in this stretch of a local lake.... yes?

[Flyswatter]

you should not be apologizing for coughing up such useful stuff...

but most important:  should not be apologizing for such a wonderful intent to help.

You got that right.  Your comments are very helpful and was hoping you'd comment.   

[Flyswatter]

so... just to make sure I fully understand .. the red circles are the outside channel bends in this stretch of a local lake.... yes?

Yea,  that's how I'm seeing it.  There's another just below the second red circle starting from the top and there is another just above the first circle.

[coldfront]

Yea,  that's how I'm seeing it.  There's another just below the second red circle starting from the top and there is another just above the first circle.

to change it up a bit...those outside bends, where they transition to flats...become likely pre-spawn jerkbait zones...to intercept fish on the move/stage...

put them on north (south facing) shorelines in the vicinity of spawning substrate...

doesn't that sound a bit like what was 'up' at Grand?

[SpartanBass]

Great post and great info! Keep it coming.


Posted using Outdoor Hub Campfire

[jboswell]

to change it up a bit...those outside bends, where they transition to flats...become likely pre-spawn jerkbait zones...to intercept fish on the move/stage...

put them on north (south facing) shorelines in the vicinity of spawning substrate...

doesn't that sound a bit like what was 'up' at Grand?

So something like this? The red lines are the bass transition routes as I see it.. assuming that the areas I have circled in green have good substrate for spawning.

[Mike Cork]

The top one has me drooling...... Road beds (north and south) along the break line that lead to a single road bed that leads to a spawning flat..... This is a year round location. Bass can pre and post on the break line road bed. I'd find myself sitting at the intersection pretending to be MCyDee's offering free soft serve cones for anyone wanting to stop in for dinner.

[jboswell]

The top one has me drooling...... Road beds (north and south) along the break line that lead to a single road bed that leads to a spawning flat..... This is a year round location. Bass can pre and post on the break line road bed. I'd find myself sitting at the intersection pretending to be MCyDee's offering free soft serve cones for anyone wanting to stop in for dinner.

Yeah, that one with the road bed will get a stop from me this spring 

[coldfront]

thanks Mike...some good looking spots there...  for sure.

[BassHOGS]

Great information being shared guys.....Really enjoy filling my bank with knowledge and there is no shortage here...Thanks for the great post/pics/explanation.  I do believe the  just came on and maybe my fishing will take turn for the better.....Been a struggle on these new waters im fishing in North Florida/South GA. 

[Mike Cork]

Great information being shared guys.....Really enjoy filling my bank with knowledge and there is no shortage here...Thanks for the great post/pics/explanation.  I do believe the  just came on and maybe my fishing will take turn for the better.....Been a struggle on these new waters im fishing in North Florida/South GA.

Get your some photo's of your topo's for area lakes and post them up. We'll definitely help out where we can

[BassHOGS]

I have attached a few photos of the lake I fish the most.  After reading all these posts, I believe I have narrowed this map down fairly well.  Let me know what yall think.  Keep in mind this is lake I have fished only 4 times now.  First time I managed a small limit and it has gone down hill since then.  Just trying to understand this lake a little better and where the fish should be.....Thanks in advance......FISH ON!!!

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