|
FALL FISHING WORTH THE TRIP
(COLORS NEAR PEAK ALONG KENTUCKY LAKE)
by Steve McCadams
Waiting for the fishing to get good before going? Maybe you've
been
waiting for the colors to change before planning that fall outing?
If you're waiting on either one then wait no longer. The fishing
is good and the peak in colors is about to arrive. There you have it;
two good reasons to head to the lake this next week.
All along the ridges of Kentucky Lake is a vivid display of
hardwoods
whose leaves are changing daily in the annual parade of colors. Scaly
bark hickories with a brilliant yellow dot the hills among the towering
oaks that are slowly fading into a burnt orange. The fluorescent reds of
the black gums along the shoreline are reflecting in placid waters.
The time has arrived when a fishing trip on Kentucky Lake is a
bonus
if you catch a fish! The view alone is worth the price of admission.
To this add bass splashing along the gravel banks as they give
chase
to meandering schools of shad. The white bass are out there too, putting
on a feeding spree and darting here and there in hot pursuit.
Cooler waters have stimulated action in the crappie department too
as
anglers jerk the area's most popular panfish from the shallow brushpiles
and stakebeds. Fall fishing is alive and well.
This past week has seen some fantastic weather descend on the
Paris
Landing area of Kentucky Lake and the fish have responded with increased
appetites. A significant improvement by both bass and crappie anglers
has been reported.
Fall is normally a season of stability here. Lake levels stay
about the same each week as does the weather. Anglers don't have to
battle gale winds and cold fronts very often and that means fish
patterns holding up from week to week as to their depth and whereabouts.
It's not unusual to find fish in one area this week and expect to
return next week and find them in the same spot. At other seasons of the
year that's not often the case.
Bass are running the gravel banks and eager to jump on a crankbait.
Crappie are snapping a minnow or jigs tossed in their zone too. Both
species are more aggressive now that waters have cooled and baitfish are
active in the shallows.
Another feather in the cap of fall fishing is what's not out there
on
the lake, namely a crowd of people. Area boat ramps have ample parking
and there's no problem finding a place to fish. In fact, this past week
only a few boats have been testing the water.
It's a quiet time on the lake as folks have a lot of things
competing
for their leisure time ranging from ballgames to hunting seasons. The
byproduct of it all is a quiet and peaceful lake where you share you
favorite fishing holes with nobody but the fish.
There's a few great blue herons, gulls, waterfowl and loons
whistling
a tune but other than that, you've got it all to yourself.
So now is the time to strike a trot to Kentucky Lake to partake of
some good fall fishing. You'll have terrific scenery that will help take
your mind off all your troubles.
Don't let this next week slip by without an outing to the lake.
Fall
is one of the most underrated seasons of all when it comes to fishing.
There may be a few windy and cool days ahead or a foggy morning or two.
Chances are, you'll discover a pleasant day awaits you and you'll ask
yourself why you hadn't been planning such a trip more often?
Here's hoping a calm wind, warm sun and a fiesty fish greets you.
The information above is
compiled by outdoor writer
Steve McCadams
Steve is a professional hunting and fishing guide
here in the Paris
Landing area and host of the The Outdoor Channel's television series
IN-PURSUIT.
|
|
