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August 29, 2012
LATE SUMMER FISHING HOLDS UP
Kentucky Lake’s late summer fishing scene has held up pretty good lately
with a touch of fall in the air. Prior to a midweek warm up there had
been some cool mornings and temps should moderate toward the cooler side
by next week, according to forecasts.
Although drought conditions have lingered, anglers were watching the
weather closely as the weekend approached to monitor the rippling
effects of Hurricane Isaac. Thunderstorms and rain were part of the
forecast but the real picture is changing daily, although no severe
weather is anticipated in our area.
Surface temps have cooled slightly and are now hanging around the 80 to
82 degree range. Water levels were falling slowly this week and
projections for the weekend are expected to see elevation in the 356.6
range at both Kentucky Dam and New Johnsonville.
Bass fishermen continue to see increasing acreage of aquatic vegetation
showing up along Kentucky Lake’s shallow flats and island rims. There is
an abundance of spiny leaf naiad, hydrilla, and Eurasian watermilfoil
and fish are using it for both shade and sources of baitfish.
Weedless lures such as floating rats and frogs have worked as have some
floating worms and fluke style baits fished around pockets and
parameters of thick grass mats. Various topwater lures have worked too
such as buzzbaits and chugger style presentations.
Around submerged grass spinnerbaits and Texas rigged worms have worked
best but finding active baitfish schools has been the key. Finding some
deeper grass mats with wind blowing in has been beneficial.
Some boats are still working main lake ledges and river channel banks
with big Texas rigged worms, deep diving crankbaits, Carolina rigged
worms, and drop-shot presentations.
Crappie have been improving as a few more fish moved up to midrange
depths this week. Stakebeds and bruhpiles in the 9 to 14 foot depths
were harboring decent numbers.
Baits of choice have been jigs tipped with minnows but just live minnow
presentations are working well. A few deeper drop-offs were also holding
crappie that were staying close to the ledges and hanging out around the
17 to 20 foot depth range.
Watch for increased activity from crappie in the weeks ahead as a lot of
those small fish that were so abundant this past spring and early summer
are now crossing the threshold and passing the 10-inch minimum length
limit. It’s shaping up to be a good fall here on Kentucky Lake.
Catfishermen have continued to stalk the main river channel banks with
moderate success when current was present. A lot of bluegill are still
hanging out on those deep ledges too.
White bass continue to evade anglers as very few have been seen in the
jumps.
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.
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