|
Brought to you by: Fishtale Lodge
August 26, 2010
Kentucky Lake’s fishing scene has held up well for bass fishermen who
continue to defy hot weather and find fish on a consistent basis. Some
hefty stringers were taken this week by anglers working drop-offs,
humps, and sloping points with submerged structure.
Lake levels changed some as a slight roller coaster in elevation
occurred after heavy rains and flash flood warnings further south
delivered a quick runoff. After a surge of several inches TVA has
released water and gotten the reservoir back down to its drawdown curve.
Elevation this weekend is projected to be 356.8 at Kentucky Dam.
Upstream at New Johnsonville Steam Plant readings were in the 356.7
range.
Surface temps are starting out in the 86 degree range during early
morning hours and warming to 91 at midday. Water color is relatively
clear across the reservoir.
Bass fishing has been the best thing going as some nice largemouth have
been caught by anglers tossing Carolina and Texas rigged worms on main
lake ledges. Berkley’s 10-inch Power Bait worms in the plum, blue fleck
and green pumpkin pepper have been popular choices as have Storm’s Brush
Hog and similar looking baits.
Big crankbaits have produced too as some larger fish were taking shad
colored variations of the large lip baits that dive down to the 10 to 14
foot range. Norman’s DD22, Mann’s Deep Pig, and Strike King’s series of
deep divers have been some popular choices.
Some fish were seen schooling along main river channel sandbars and
anglers were also tossing assorted swim bait and silver spoons.
Not much of a grass pattern to report as the aquatic vegetation that has
attracted both bass and anglers in late summer lower lake level phase is
just not visible. No doubt the extended high lake levels earlier this
year had an adverse effect on such plants as Eurasian watermilfoil,
pondweed, and spinyleaf naiad.
No doubt the anglers and fish miss the aquatic habitat. It proved to be
good cover for young of the year bass and other fish to hide around.
Not all fish are deep as a few anglers are still finding bass around
boat docks and bridge piers. Tossing shallow running crankbaits and
Texas rigged worms have fooled a few fish, especially when current is
present.
Some shad are already moving up on gravel banks and back in bays during
the late afternoon lowlight periods.
Current has indeed been present this week as TVA pulled a lot of water
after last week’s rains in middle Tennessee. Unfortunately, very few
white bass jumps have been reported as in times past the warm weather
and current teamed to produce some action from these popular gamefish
but thus far they have been nonexistent as to the summer season.
Catfish action picked up this week thanks to the current. Working the
edge of the main river channel in depths of 20 to 30 feet has been
productive.
Baits of choice have been nightcrawlers and big shiner minnows.
Crappie have been sluggish as the fish have been in their typical hot
summer mood. A few finicky fish have been caught on main lake ledges in
depths of 17 to 22 feet as anglers used live minnows on bottom bumping
rigs.
Although crappie action has been off watch for a quick rebound as cooler
nights will see surface temps begin to fall, bringing more baitfish
shallow. Traditionally, the shallow crappie bite improves in early to
mid September so watch for that midrange depth of 9 to 13 feet start
producing.
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.
|
|
