Natural Lakes VS Reservoirs

[CaptainSolo]

One of the things that I have come to realize over the years fishing both Natural Lakes and Reservoirs is that bass relate to cover and structure differently between the two.

I have come up with a system to help me narrow down on productive water and overlook the less productive water and it starts with knowing whether to focus on structure and cover. 

I have found that in Natural Lakes that structure enhances cover- meaning that cover (vegetation) is the most important factor that I look for.  Even if an area doesnt have any special structural elements, as long as I have good cover, the fish will be there.  However, once I find that prime cover I then look for a subtle structural element that enhances this cover.  This could be as simple as a small ditch or depression. 

On the flip side, on a reservoir, cover enhances structure, so if a type of structure-like a point- doesnt have cover on it, it can still be productive, however, if you find a productive piece of structure and find some isolated cover on it, that cover will enhance that structure.  In this instance, structure is the required variable and cover is the bonus. 

Since using this theory I have been able to eliminate unproductive water on either type of lake. 

How about you?  Do you find the same pattern holds up on the natural lakes and reservoirs you fish?

[Tavery5]

One of the things that I have come to realize over the years fishing both Natural Lakes and Reservoirs is that bass relate to cover and structure differently between the two.

I have come up with a system to help me narrow down on productive water and overlook the less productive water and it starts with knowing whether to focus on structure and cover. 

I have found that in Natural Lakes that structure enhances cover- meaning that cover (vegetation) is the most important factor that I look for.  Even if an area doesnt have any special structural elements, as long as I have good cover, the fish will be there.  However, once I find that prime cover I then look for a subtle structural element that enhances this cover.  This could be as simple as a small ditch or depression. 

On the flip side, on a reservoir, cover enhances structure, so if a type of structure-like a point- doesnt have cover on it, it can still be productive, however, if you find a productive piece of structure and find some isolated cover on it, that cover will enhance that structure.  In this instance, structure is the required variable and cover is the bonus. 

Since using this theory I have been able to eliminate unproductive water on either type of lake. 

How about you?  Do you find the same pattern holds up on the natural lakes and reservoirs you fish?

I like your post, it is well written and thought out.  I will add that sometimes cover can be considered as structure.  An example would be when the outside edge of the grass forms a break line.    When it comes to structure fishing I feel like Buck Perry is the  God Father.   Not exactly sure where it fits into your post, but I read a comment he once made that has always  stuck with me.  He said, " You may find structure without fish, but you rarely find fish without structure."   

Nice post

[tooboocoo]

I find the two to be about the same.  Wood is wood, pads are pads, and a rockpile is a rockpile is a rockpile.  The difference maker is that many reservoirs have some degree of current....and that can be huge.