|
Brought to you by:
February 6, 2013
WINTER FISHING SCENE REBOUNDS
Thanks to a nice week of warm weather the winter fishing scene has
rebounded for Kentucky Lake anglers. Temps this week have been in the
upper 50’s and low 60’s at times. And, winds have been pretty nice as
well , allowing both bass and crappie anglers to access anywhere they
chose.
Lake levels this week began a gradual fall after rising a few inches
over the weekend. Elevation continues to be above normal winter pool and
that has been the case pretty much all winter. TVA is pulling water and
projecting a continuous fall throughout the weekend.
Elevation for the weekend at Kentucky Dam is predicted to be 354.8.
However, upstream at New Johnsonville there is still almost a two foot
variation in lake levels as water flows down the Tennesssee River. Lake
levels this weekend for the New Johnsonville area are projected to be in
the 356.7 range and falling.
Surface temperatures have responded to the warm weather and are now in
the 46 to 49 degree range. Water color has improved with a slight stain
in the main channel but clearing in the bays and creeks as falling water
has pulled most of the muddy water out of shallow areas.
Crappie fishermen were out in force this week as weather improved. Light
winds and a warming trend had boats working the main lake ledges where
anglers were dunking jigs and minnow rigs on deep drop-offs. Depths of
18 to 24 feet were producing some fish in the Paris Landing sector.
Up Big Sandy and into West Sandy boats were working deep brushpiles,
stumprows, and stakebeds and finding fish in the 10 to 14 foot range at
times. Some crappie were even moving up to 8 to 12 foot spots but
appeared scattered.
Watch for increased activity in the days ahead around midrange depths as
mild weather will remain in the forecast. That should see surface temps
moderate some and bring more fish to the 10 to 12 foot zone.
Bass anglers were tossing a variety of baits around submerged grass on
sloping flats. Spinnerbaits were popular as were Rattle Traps and other
shallow running crankbaits.
A few boats continued to key in on deeper ditches and sloughs that feed
into the main river channel and tested the submerged areas with Carolina
rigged craws, jig and pig combos, Alabama rigs, and some finesse baits
worked very slowly to entice strikes.
Other boats have been working the gravel bank, rip-rap, and big chunk
rock patterns with crankbaits in crawfish colors and some loud color
choices during periods when dingy water was present.
No doubt a touch of spring fever was in the air this week after last
week’s cold snaps and north winds kept most anglers on shore. Although
mid temps will hang around this weekend and into next week, some high
winds are expected later this weekend.
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.
|
|
