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WARM SPELL BRINGS SHORT REPRIEVE TO ANGLERS
Winter fishermen have been waiting on the return of warm weather since
last week’s blast of sleet and snow.
Looks like anglers will get a short hiatus from winter weather as temps
are warming rapidly and expected to eclipse the 60 degree mark this
weekend. Quick warm ups this time of year often come at the expense of a
strong southwest wind, however.
The warm spell will be short lived as northwest winds are forecast to
return early next week. Best not put the coveralls too deep in the
closet just yet!
A few crappie anglers have ventured out this week, stalking both main
lake ledges checking out the deeper bite and also sneaking around
stakebeds and brushpiles in the 11 to 13 foot depth range.
Some fish were taken in both depth ranges too. Seems anglers working the
drop-offs were catching several small fish in-between some scattered
keepers. Depths of 18 to 22 feet gave up a few fish but anglers were
having trouble finding any schooling crappie.
Midrange depths did produce some keeper fish but boaters were having to
make a lot of stops to accumulate double digit catches.
Most were fishing jigs in the red/chartreuse, black/chartreuse and
watermelon with red sparkle as to some of the popular color choices.
Lake levels this week had been falling rapidly and reached the low ebb
of winter pool elevation at midweek but began rising Wednesday afternoon
in the aftermath of heavy rains earlier in the week across the region.
Water color was in pretty good shape as a lot of last week’s dingy color
disappeared with the falling lake levels.
Projections going into the weekends show lake levels will rise. A
forecast of 355.3 is projected for Kentucky Dam while elevation will be
higher upstream in the New Johnsonville area. Lake stages there will be
356.3 and rising.
Surface temperatures have been in the 49 to 51 degree range.
Bass fishermen have been creeping out and hitting some deep water spots
when the wind allows. Most boaters are searching for schools of baitfish
along ledges on the main river bank and inside the mouth of some large
bays.
The deeper depths are harboring some shad in places and those anglers
who have mastered the art of interpreting side imaging sonar units have
been able to locate bass in their winter hideouts and master a deep
water winter pattern. Tossing swim baits, deep running crankbaits,
spoons and leadhead jigs with twister tail grubs attached have paid
dividends.
February is a month with a few warm days sandwiched between bone
chilling winds and cloudy, dreary days. Occasionally anglers get a calm
day but most realize winter is still in charge. Fishermen have to play
the cards as dealt and the season sometimes tosses out a mean hand.
Odds are the weather roller coaster will continue so grab a decent day
when you can and make the most of it. Everyday means spring draws a
little closer!
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.
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