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Brought to you by: Fishtale Lodge
February 17, 2010
WILL SPRING EVER GET HERE?...CABIN FEVER AFFECTING LOCAL
ANGLERS
Kentucky Lake’s winter fishing scene continues to
be at the mercy of the elements. Cold winds and snow dealt another
double whammy earlier this week, keeping most anglers off the water and
around the fire.
This winter has not been kind to crappie, sauger and bass fishermen.
Inclimate weather has dominated for several weeks now with below average
temperatures. Fishing has been downright tough.
It’s one thing to go and not catch fish; it’s another to go and not
catch fish while getting cold and blown off the lake. Most anglers have
realized their limitations lately and stayed off the lake.
Cabin fever, however, is spreading and most outdoorsmen are pacing the
floor in hopes warm weather will take over soon.
Meanwhile, temps are supposed to rebound some in the days ahead and
things can change quickly if just a day or two of sunshine enters the
picture with some light and variable winds.
Lake levels have been up and down all winter too. Currently lake stages
are falling slowly but still above normal winter pool elevation, as they
have been most of the winter.
TVA is projecting a reading of 355.4 range going into the weekend for
the New Johnsonville area while down stream at Kentucky Dam elevation is
lower with readings in the 354.7 range.
Water color has cleared over most of the reservoir despite runoff from
recent snow. Surface temps have reflected the cold conditions with
readings in the 36 to 39 degree range. A few moderate days should see
surface temps climb back into the lower 40’s.
Crappie have been slow for anglers working deep drop-offs out in the
main lake and within the mouth of larger bays. Winter crappie often seek
deeper depths during cold weather as they follow their forage and shad
sleep deep in this kind of weather.
Watch for activity to increase soon in that 18 to 24 foot depth range.
It’s high time some of those deeper ledges were paying off for anglers
tightlining jigs and minnows around structure.
Fishermen who prefer slow trolling jigs on spider rigs and long lines
should also start seeing some improvement from suspended fish,
especially in the West Sandy area around Springville pumphouse and
Britton Ford.
Although it has been an unproductive winter for most crappie fishermen
and other anglers, the good news is more fish should be there for the
taking as spring approaches.
Traditionally, poor winter fishing loosens its grip by early March and
it’s not unusual to see good spring fishing rebound. Think positive!
Also check out our past:
Kentucky Lake Fishing Reports
Steve McCadams
Steve McCadams is one of the nation's best known Crappie Fishermen
and a full time resident of Paris, Tennessee. Steve is also a
professional hunting and fishing guide here in the Paris Landing area.
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