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STUBBORN SCENARIO CONTINUES
Kentucky Lake’s fishing scene had a couple of nice days slip through the
door last week before stubborn winter weather returned. Last weekend
wasn’t too bad in terms of temperature and wind but conditions
deteriorated this week once north breezes and below average temps
returned.
Although most of this week has been unfavorable conditions, a warming
trend is in the forecast for this weekend. Temps are expected to rebound
into the mid 50’s on Saturday and rise above 60 on Sunday before another
cold front enters the picture early next week.
Lake levels this week were rising slightly. TVA’s projections for the
weekend show lake levels will be in the 355.5 range at Kentucky Dam.
Upstream at New Johnsonville elevation is expected to be in the 356.3
range, which is up a few inches from last week at this time.
Water color has been dingy all week throughout the Big Sandy basin and
borderline muddy in the upper end toward West Sandy and in the New Hope
area. Dingy color was also present in the Paris Landing sector and in
the main Tennessee River channel. Some bays on the east side such as
Standing Rock, Leatherwood, Hurricane and White Oak were less stained.
Cypress Bay north of Paris Landing was also showing a decent color for
fishing.
Surface temperatures are still reluctant to cross the 45 degree
threshold in most areas, a reflection of the continued cold days and
nights that have lingered. A slight increase could occur over the
weekend.
Crappie anglers saw some improvement the middle of last week as a few
fish were taken at midweek when sunny days and light winds sneaked in.
Most catches came from bays on the east side of the reservoir when water
color was somewhat clearer but a few fish were also taken in portions of
West Sandy by anglers fishing stakebeds and brushpiles.
Depths of 8 to 12 feet gave up a few scattered fish in those areas but
by the weekend it seemed fish backed off and were reluctant to bite
despite some decent weather. Anglers working main lake ledges at the
mouth of Big Sandy near Paris Landing were not finding many fish willing
to bite.
Water color should improve some in the days ahead unless heavy downpours
enter the picture. Rain is in the forecast for Sunday and will likely
accompany the warm-up.
Meanwhile, anglers continue to wait on warmer weather and hope north
winds change to a southerly direction soon and bring normal temperature
ranges back to the fishing scene. Crappie anglers are overdue for some
improvement out on main lake ledges around those 18 to 25 foot depths.
Bass action has been slow for most but it only takes a day or two of
warm sunshine for things to quickly improve. This weekend’s warm spell,
although brief, could see improvement. Some fish have been taken on
crawfish colored crankbaits and other colors such as firetiger,
chartreuse/red, and florescent red.
Dingy water is present around most gravel banks and points where wind
has things stirred up and stained runoff from upstream has moved in.
Watch for rock bluffs and gravel points or shorelines to improve around
midday when sunny conditions help stimulate sluggish fish to move up
some and feed.
Some boats are still tossing Alabama rigs and Carolina rigs out away
from gravel points and steep rock bluffs. Also, suspending crankbaits
are popular choices as are Rattle Trap style baits cast on mud bars.
It sounds like a broken record but practically everyone is waiting on a
warm-up!
Also check out our past:
Kentucky Lake Fishing Reports
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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