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Steve McCadams'
Kentucky Lake Fishing Report for:
August 15th, 2003
Kentucky Lake has been falling fast this week after seeing above
average lake levels for several weeks.
TVA predicts lake levels at Kentucky Dam and New Johnsonville to be
in the 357.1 range this weekend, which is down over a foot from last
week at this time.
Anglers are finding crappie action well worth the trip as the summer
action has been good for several weeks. While a lot of the fish have
been taken in the midrange depths of 13 to 15 feet, look for them to
drop back deeper this next week due to falling lake levels.
This summer has been a bit unusual as lake levels have been above
normal due to an abundance of rain. Added to that has been some cloudy
days with temperatures a few degrees cooler than the normal highs. As a
result, the crappie have found a comfort zone in the midrange depths
whereas they would normally be in 20 to 25 foot zones.
Brushpiles and stakebeds are still producing fish as anglers
continue to tip jigs with minnow for the most success.
Expect some increase in activity next week on the deep sides of the
ledges. The 20 to 25 foot zones will likely see some improvement due to
falling lake levels and warm weather.
Surface temperatures were in the 83 to 85 degree range this week.
Watercolor is still clear in the main lake and most of the stained water
that was back in the bays has moved out due to the falling lake stages.
Bass action is fair with small fish still holding around visible
structure in the backs of bays and along steep bank shorelines. The
larger fish have pulled back to the main lake ledges where crankbaits,
Texas and Carolina rigged worms and lizards are producing. The jig and
pork combo is worth tossing too.
Look for some increase in activity on the main lake ledges this
weekend as current is present and likely pulling some of the larger bass
toward deep water venues.
Catfish action has picked up some. The increased current in the main
Tennessee River is likely the reason. It seems the baitfish move around
more and that puts the cats on the prowl.
Depths of 20 to 40 feet were producing as anglers work nightcrawlers,
catalpa worms, liver, and leeches along the bottom near where the
overbank drops off into the main deep channel.
Some white bass are showing up but overall action is slow. Not too
much activity in the jumps just yet. Sauger remain slow too.
Several rockfish are showing up but most of them are in the 11 to
13-inch range. There’s are more smaller rockfish in the Paris Landing
area than in times past. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife has reportedly
stocked fingerlings in the tailrace of both Kentucky and Barkley Dams
the last few years. And, KFW has also stocked the Ohio River for years.
There’s either a massive number entering the main reservoir or we
have had some natural spawning take place. Whether or not these eating
machines have a detrimental effect on the shad population or the overall
crappie and bass fishery remains to be seen.
Generally speaking, lakes with increased rockfish populations have
decreased crappie and bass fisheries.
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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