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Brought to you by: Fishtale Lodge
Steve McCadams'
Kentucky Lake Fishing Report for:
March 31st, 2006
CRAPPIE AND BASS HEAD SHALLOW AS
LAKE LEVELS RISE…SPAWNING PHASE APPROACHES
Water levels will begin rising slowly this weekend here on Kentucky
Lake as TVA’s schedule for reservoir filling traditionally begins on
April 1st.
Warm weather will coincide with rising lake levels this next week to
bring a lot of crappie and bass to shallow venues in preparation for
spawning.
Thanks to the return of warm weather, surface temperatures have
rebounded rapidly the last few day and that means spawning phases for
crappie are rapidly approaching. Last weekend surface temperatures were
resting at 49 degrees as brisk north winds lingered but by Wednesday the
sun took over and teamed with light winds to send readings up to 56
degrees.
Look for surface temperatures to continue to climb this weekend and
early next week as warm weather is in the forecast. Crappie will begin
early spawning phases when surface temperatures stabilize in the 62 to
66 degree range so anglers can expect some fish to begin the annual
ritual by the middle of next week.
Earlier this week a lot of crappie were still relating to deep water
hangouts as main lake ledges were producing for area anglers. Some hefty
stringers were taken from the 20 to 25 foot zones as anglers worked the
deep side of sandbars, stalking the submerged stumps and brush.
Earlier in the week I found fish still holding good on deep
structure where double hook bottom bumping rigs armed with live shiner
minnows and jigs worked well. The fish were staying on the deep side of
the drop-offs until Wednesday afternoon when it appeared fish made a
blitz toward midrange depths, a response to the warm day that shot
surface temperatures up some five to six degrees.
The fish are really on the move and anglers can expect to see a
major migration this weekend and early next week as the crappie seek out
potential spawning spots. Those shallow areas that were void of fish
earlier this week will likely be productive by this weekend and
throughout next week.
Presently, Kentucky Lake is rising slowly and will continue a
gradual climb throughout April until the reservoir reaches summer pool
by May 1. Observed lake elevation is expected to be 355.5 at Kentucky
Dam this weekend. Upstream at New Johnsonville projections are for a
level of 355.2.
Surface temperatures continue to climb and will likely eclipse the
60-degree mark this weekend.
Water color is sporting a slight stain in the upper Big Sandy area
and throughout West Sandy. A good fishing color is also present in the
Paris Landing area and in the Tennessee River.
Bass fishing continues to hold up well as some heavy stringers are
coming in from anglers tossing a variety of lures. Crankbaits fished
slow around rocky points, gravel banks, roadbeds, and rip-rap are paying
off. Popular colors continue to be red, and burnt orange with some
Tennessee Shad and crawfish.
Jig and pig combos in brown and red colors are working as are some
worms and suspending jerk baits. Spinnerbaits slow rolled around visible
structure have also accounted for a few fish.
Although surface lures have not been producing, that will change
this week as the warmer water will see bass take on a more aggressive
mood.
With rising lake levels and warmer weather now entering the picture,
fishing patterns will continue to change. Things look good for the
upcoming week so make plans to wet a hook and take advantage of the long
overdue spring weather.
Daylight savings time arrives Sunday so you’ll have some long
afternoons available to test the water for the fish of your choice.
For The Lake Barkley Report
Click Here
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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