I live on a flood control lake which can rise over 30' which is about 4x normal average depth and covers several times the area. The fishing is better after it settles, but I don't fish alot till it drops. They can be caught but with high water added to normal factors such as weather, time of year, and such it can be tough. I would rather fish a fall than a quick rise of several feet. Atleast the fish are more adjusted as it can only fall so fast here. The fish tend to bunch up in different areas such as brushlines and points on a fall. A rise can scatter them in the woods.