|
Brought to you by:
August 8, 2012
COOL SPELL COULD HELP FISHING
It appears the weatherman will send a touch of fall this way as rainy
days are expected to precede a cool front as the weekend approaches.
Cooler conditions are expected for a few days with below average
temperatures that should work in favor of fishermen on Kentucky Lake.
Highs are forecasted to be in low 80’s this weekend with nights cooling
off into the mid 60’s, a welcomed change from the hot and humid
conditions that have lingered earlier in the week.
Lake levels have been a bit unusual too as elevation has risen a few
days with more runoff entering the Tennessee River watershed from
thunderstorms upstream. Projected elevation for the weekend will be
358.4 at Kentucky Dam. Upstream at New Johnsonville lake levels will be
in the 358.3 range.
Surface temperature has been in the 86 to 89 degree range this week but
may cool some this weekend. Water color has been clear. Some current has
been present this week as TVA continues to push water through Pickwick
and Kentucky Dams.
Summer bass patterns have held up well despite a rash of hot weather
that has hung around for about two weeks. Some nice stringers have been
taken by anglers working main lake ledges and the presence of current
lately has improved the ledge bite.
Popular presentations have ranged from some drop-shot presentations on
the deep sides of ledges to activity up on the top sides of sandbars
where both crankbaits and jig and craw combos have worked. Big Texas
rigged worms have been consistent producers as well with such colors as
blue fleck, pumpkin pepper, red shad, and black/blue pearl just to name
a few.
Some bass have been running shad up on the top sides of sandbars at
times in depths of 7 to 10 feet only to fall back on the deeper sides of
ledges and hang out until a feeding spree occurs and the fish push some
shad toward the shallow zones.
In addition to the popular drop-off summer pattern has been the
continuation of fish taken around milfoil grassbeds. The abundance of
aquatic vegetation is harboring a lot of baitfish and bass have been
relating to the grass pattern all summer.
Tossing spinnerbaits and Texas rigged worms have works well but a few
mornings and late afternoons have seen some surface activity take place
on buzzbaits, floating fluke style jerk baits and assorted chuggers such
as Rebel’s Pop-R and Storm’s Chugg-Bug.
Grass is present around island rims and extending out on points where
some good submerged cover is present, especially if the grass fragments
are near ditches or deep water.
Night fishing has been attracting a few boats in an attempt to beat the
heat lately. Tossing spinnerbaits along gravel banks has produced a few
fish too.
Crappie action has been fair with a few fish coming from 10 to 13 foot
zones. Fish were scattered but relating to structure in the depth range
and showing a preference for jigs tipped with minnows and live minnows
themselves fished in a vertical presentation.
While a few fish were coming from deep sides of ledges in 18 to 24 feet
activity was somewhat slow in the deeper areas when compared to the
structure in midrange depths.
An occasional boat was seen trolling deep diving crankbaits along the
edges of drop-offs and picking up a mixture of crappie, sauger, bass and
catfish at times.
Although August is normally a popular time to see some surface activity
from schooling white bass no sightings are coming in.
Some boats are night fishing and working minnows beneath floating lights
where a few crappie have been taken. No doubt the approaching cool spell
will bring a welcomed change to the fishing scene.
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.
|
|
