|
Brought to you by:
August 3, 2011
Hot weather continues to dominate the Kentucky Lake fishing scene but a
few success stories have come in recently from bass and catfish anglers
hitting the lake at daylight. By midday most anglers are pitching in the
towel and yielding to the heat.
Observed lake elevation at both Kentucky Dam and New Johnsonville Steam
Plant was expected to be in the 357.9 range as the weekend approached.
TVA continues it slow but steady drawdown of the reservoir and lake
levels are about on schedule for this time of year.
Surface temperature reflects the extended spell of hot weather with
readings in the 89 to 92 degree range. Not many thunderstorms or cool
nights have influenced the water conditions lately and the reservoir
remains clear.
Current had diminished earlier this week as not much rain has entered
the system lately. However, a slight amount of current has worked for a
few catfish anglers who are still finding some decent stringers while
fishing on the edge of the main river channel and beneath the Paris
Landing Bridge.
Most of the fish were coming from the 20 to 30 foot depth range with an
occasional big fish lingering in deeper water. Baits of choice have been
night crawlers, chicken liver, catalpa worms, and shad.
Bass fishermen were finding some action this week as fish were schooling
around a few main lake ledges and surface action occurred at times when
shad make a blitz toward shallow sandbars in an attempt to escape the
feeding frenzy.
Tossing shad colored crankbaits, swim baits, and spoons have worked well
when the fish get active. And, Texas and Carolina rigged worms are still
producing too as are some jig and craw combos.
Drop-offs near the main channel in the Tennessee River have given up
some decent bass lately. Meanwhile, night fishing has appealed to a few
anglers who are tossing spinnerbaits around rip-rap and sloping gravel
banks.
A few smaller bass were taken in relatively shallow water this week by
anglers fishing shallow running crankbaits, worms, and spinnerbaits.
Some shallow stickups continue to hold a few bass despite the warm
surface temps.
A few white bass were taken mixed in with the schooling bass along the
main river but no significant numbers of white bass have been present as
was the case for many years during the hot summer months. Numbers of
white bass have clearly declined over the years as the surface schools
that once appealed to summer anglers no longer exist in numbers
sufficient to attract the attention of fishermen.
From the crappie department comes word of a few fish still lingering in
midrange depths. Reports of fish taken in 9 to 14 foot depths came in
this week, a summer scenario that might indicate dissolved oxygen levels
are better in relatively shallow to midrange depths.
Sometimes the deeper sides of drop-offs are less appealing as the
extremely hot weather and lack of current and rainfall may not
contribute to mixing of water layers, especially if a lack of wind
contributes to the picture for several days.
A few boats were night fishing over main lake ledges where the use of
floating lights attracts shad and lures crappie to the cone angle of the
lights, especially if the boat is position near a drop-off. If a mayfly
hatch occurs then the night fishing gig can be especially good.
No doubt the warm weather will linger throughout August but catch a
cloudy day with a breeze and it’s not all bad out there.
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.
|
|
