Water levels remain near the winter pool elevation, which is
considered low my most boaters and anglers’ opinion. Lake levels have
been relatively stable this week. Elevation in the Paris Landing area
has been around 354.7. Readings were similar at both Kentucky Dam and
upstream at New Johnsonville.
Surface temperatures this week were starting out at 65 degrees in
the mornings and warming to near the 70-degree mark in the afternoon.
Watercolor remains clear throughout most of the Big Sandy River
while the Tennessee River portion has a little stain.
Crappie continue to hit good, although a lot of small fish are
still part of the fishing day.
Many fish have moved into the 6 to 10 foot zones. And, several
bays are now holding fish in shallow stumps and brush, especially if
the structure is located near deeper water.
There’s a multitude of fish in nine to 10-inch size range so keep
the measuring device handy. You’ll catch a lot that are just shy of
the legal length limit. However, it’s still fun and even small fish
bring on big grins.
Some fish continue to linger on make lake ledges in the 13 to 18
foot zones but fish there have been scattered this week. However,
you’ll still find a good fish out there, although the larger ones are
mixed in with the little ones.
Jigs tipped with minnows have been working best this week. I found
a few fish taking just jigs but it was clear the fish preferred either
a supplement of minnows or Berkley Power Bait added to the jig.
Popular colors have been a light green or chartreuse lead head
with wither a chartreuse skirt or one with some white. Others
producers have been orange or red lead heads with yellow or green and
white combo colored skirts.
Some days I’ve switched colors several times throughout the day in
an effort to find what’s appealing. The fish have been finicky at
times, showing a defined preference of one color over another while
changing their minds at times!
Stake beds and manmade brush piles are producing a lot of fish in
the midrange depths so dunk a few minnows or jigs and you’ll find some
fish.
Bass anglers continue to score along rock banks with crankbaits
while others are still working ledges with jigs, Carolina rigs, and
crankbaits.
Some smallmouth were showing up from main lake shorelines and
ledges, especially on the east side of the lake.
Spinnerbaits worked around shallow wood have produced as have jigs
or worm pitched around boat docks and piers. Shad colored crankbaits
such as shallow runners are still working on roadbeds, rip-rap levees,
and rock points.
Some surface action is still underway too, especially on the
cloudy days or early morning and late afternoon.
A few white bass are running minnows on shallow flats back in the
bays. You can toss a Rooster Tail spinner and have lots of fun. Watch
for the gulls feeding, as they will tell you where the baitfish are.
