Yes. Once the waters dump into swamp the stream / ditch goes east. I just checked out a google map and saw changes in terms of accessibility. If water is up, then check dead water areas close to dam. If water levels down then concentrate efforts on areas of flow down stream. Make effort to check below first bridge downstream of dam. We caught the O-spots with seine, usually while targeting Pirate Perch or gar. The lowland form of longear is also abundant.
Catching the fish in the lake proper was hit or miss and seldom with any large numbers.