Brought to you by: Fishtale Lodge
Report for
February 8th, 2002
This week's fishing report has Kentucky Lake getting
back to normal in terms of lake elevation. After almost two weeks of
high water, the reservoir is nearing its winter pool reading.
Observed lake elevation in the Paris Landing area this week was
354.7. TVA indicates the lake is falling slowly. Surface temperatures
were in the mid 30's.
Crappie have backed out of some shallow flats where they were taken
last week. The falling lake levels, plus the return of colder weather,
have sent the bulk of the fish back to deeper venues.
Depths of 16 to 24 feet were beginning to produce some fish this
week. While a few scattered fish might remain in some shallow areas,
look for the better grade of fish to occupy the deep side of ledges and
creek channels this week where stumps and brush will attract them.
The crappie are following the shad and temperature changes like
those experienced this week often send the baitfish back to deeper water
where they have a larger comfort zone.
Sometimes, fast moving cold fronts push warm weather out of the area
and catch thousands of baitfish up in shallow water overnight. This can
result in shock for the shad and cause massive die offs.
The die offs are not that unusual as thousands of shad still manage
to survive and make it back to deep water.
Live minnows and a multitude of combo colored jigs are producing.
Such colors as yellow and chartreuse, grape and chartreuse, solid green
with red metal flake, and pink and pear have appealed to crappie this
week.
The water color ranged from stained early in the week to somewhat
clear conditions in the Big Sandy as falling lake levels pulled a lot of
the dingy water out of the bays and open water flats.
Bass fishing slowed down this week due to the colder conditions but
a few smallmouth enthusiasts are still finding one now and then rocky
points and gravel bars sloping into the main river. Some current still
exists but has diminished from last week rapid draw down.
A few catfish are still coming from the New Johnsonville Steam Plant
harbor. Also, some deep holes along the main river are producing too.
Sauger should improve this next week as the river currents return to
normal. Watch for improved action at the mouth of Duck River, Coffee
Landing, New Johnsonville Bridge, and further south to Pickwick Dam
tailrace.
For The Lake Barkley Report
Click Here
For Other Kentucky Lake Fishing Reports
Click Here
Steve McCadams
is a professional hunting and fishing guide
here in the
Paris Landing area and host of The Outdoor Channel's television series IN-PURSUIT.
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