How to Fish for Zander During a Flood

When rivers flood, most anglers stay home—but not the smart ones! While it might seem counterintuitive, flooding actually provides excellent opportunities for zander fishing. Today our friend and professional angler Sami Mouhib shares some expert tactics to help you succeed during high waters.

Understanding Flood-Time Zander Behavior

During floods, zanders completely change their usual patterns. Instead of staying in deep waters, these predators move closer to the shoreline, hunting in shallow, murky waters. The reduced visibility actually works in their favor—and can work in yours too!

Choosing the Right Equipment

Lures: Use large shads between 12–18 cm in flashy colors—these will stand out in muddy water and attract zander's attention.

Jigheads: Long ones with light weights (3–10 g) will be perfect.

Rod: Choose a sturdy rod about 2.4 meters long rated for 5–20 g weights. This lets you feel every bite while keeping control of your catch.

Apparel: Even if you're fishing from the shore, wading gives you better access to prime fishing spots. Here's what you need:

• High-quality waterproof waders, e.g., FINNTRAIL PROGUIDE, to keep you warm and dry in deep water;

• Sturdy wading boots, e.g., FINNTRAIL GREENWOOD, with aggressive grip soles to prevent slipping on muddy surfaces;

• Proper layering system underneath—start with moisture-wicking base layer, add insulating mid-layer, and finish with your waders as the outer shell;

• Consider a wading belt and staff for extra safety in flood conditions.

Finding the Best Spots

“The perfect time for zander fishing is when the flood starts going down and most of the debris has cleared out, but the water is still brown and strong. Look for small breaks in the riverbank, especially near flooded trees where the water is slightly clearer. And if you spot lots of baitfish swimming around, you're definitely in the right place—that's where hungry zander will be hunting.”— Sami Mouhib @sami._mouhib

Don't Forget About Safety

While these safety tips may seem obvious, they bear repeating. Only wade in areas you're familiar with and always check the bottom structure before moving forward. Never take unnecessary risks—if in doubt, stay out!

So, fishing for zander during floods might seem challenging, but it can actually lead to some amazing catches. Just make sure you've got the right gear, know where to look, and stay safe out there—always check weather updates and respect the power of flood waters. Now you're ready to make the most of these high-water conditions. Good luck, and tight lines!