Brought to you by: Fishtale Lodge
Steve McCadams'
Kentucky Lake Fishing Report for:
August 13th, 2004
COOLER WEATHER WELCOMED BY ALL OUTDOORSMEN
Cooler conditions have been welcomed with open arms by Kentucky Lake
anglers this week.
Most of us know there’s a lot of summer left and those hot and humid
days will return but the recent reprieve has been well accepted by both
the fish and the fishermen.
Surface temperatures have dropped a few degrees and that seemed to
stimulate movement for shallow water bass while crappie anglers are
seeing positive results too. Readings lately have been in the 82-85
degree range but may fall lower due to cool nights.
TVA has been drawing Kentucky Lake down this week as a gradual
decline in lake stages is underway. Since Monday the lake has fallen
several inches and readings are expected to be 357.1 at New Johnsonville
this weekend. Downstream at Kentucky Dam the elevation will be 357.3.
Although north winds have been part of the cool front this past
week, a few bass anglers have capitalized on the fall-like conditions to
find shallow action. Texas rigged worms and jig and pig combos have
produced, as have shallow running crankbaits and spinnerbaits.
Some visible stickups, along with boathouses and roadbeds or bridge
piers have given up some decent largemouth. And, there a little grass
exposed in secondary bays too.
A few jerk baits have produced too, such as flukes and floating
worms.
Not much to report in the white bass department. Sightings of the
white bass have been rare this summer and it appears the fish are just
not there. Some anglers feel the increased numbers of stripers (rock
fish) may be taking its toll. It could be a down cycle or the result of
several weak year classes but the white bass action is sure not what it
used to be on Kentucky Lake as August is normally prime time.
Crappie action has improved recently as the cooler conditions have
stimulated the summer bite. There’s a lot of small fish out there but
you can find some keepers mixed in with them.
Depths of 17 to 19 feet were producing on main lake ledges this week
as anglers tight lined live minnow rigs and worked stumps.
There appears to be some fish moving up, however, as stakebeds and
brushpiles in the 12 to 14 foot zone were beginning to appeal to
crappie. It’s likely that shad have moved up lately so the bass and
crappie aren’t far behind.
Catfish are still on the prowl too and hefty stringers have been
taken in the Paris Landing area this week as anglers work the edge of
the Tennessee River’s channel. Depths of 20 to 40 feet have given up
some good yellows, channels, and flatheads lately as current has been a
factor working in favor of anglers.
Baits of choice have been chicken liver, cut shad, nightcrawlers,
catalpa worms, and leeches. Some jug and trotline fishermen are still
using those hotdog dipped in garlic powder too.
With cooler weather upon us, it’s a great time to make the best of
the nice fishing conditions.
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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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