Fishing Articles
Bank Runoff & Saturation Point
Anglers must be able to anticipate waters that “can”
blow out from overly saturated soil to avoid boating and wading hazards
Timothy Kusherets
There is a point between how fast precipitation falls, absorbed
into soil, and then filtered into streams and rivers where it becomes
official runoff water. Runoff seeps into the soil and moves downhill
from there into streams and river basins. How fast each area gets runoff
is on the basis of what is called the “saturation point. Saturation
point is when soil can no longer soak up water and simply transfers
it from precipitation to river water. When the saturation point has
been achieved runoff begins to pour into small rivers and streams and
can blow them out to flood stage within hours. Drift fishing anglers
must be able to anticipate waters that “can” blow out from
overly saturated soil to avoid boating and wading hazards; more than
that, it’s essential to know to be able to find biting fish that
may feel pressure from rising waters. Rivers that have a proven history
of flooding should be avoided during the wettest times of the year.
Bank runoff and saturation point heavily influence the behavior of fish
since water volume can increase and decrease with dramatic effect within
hours to days carrying large debris downstream and decreasing oxygen
levels. As silt, suspended loads, and bed loads are transported they
stir up the riparian clouding it up and cleaning the bed at the same
time. It’s called “scouring”.
© Timothy Kusherets 2008/09 Copyrighted
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