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Brought to you by: Fishtale Lodge
March 3, 2010
Fishing conditions have improved for Kentucky Lake anglers since last
week at this time, thanks to a welcomed and overdue warm spell now in
progress. Temperatures have been below normal lately but the weatherman
says that’s about to change!
Crappie anglers are seeing a quick rebound from some stubborn fish that
have responded well to warmer weather and rising surface temperatures.
Some nice stringers are being caught in a variety of depth ranges and
locations.
The mouth of West Sandy continues to be a popular area as several boats
have converged in that sector recently, a clear indication crappie have
been hitting in that locale. Most boats are slow trolling spider rigs
with various colored jigs moved slowly over 14 to 20 foot depths.
Crappie appear to be staging in that section of the Big Sandy River at
this time and most of the fish are suspended.
Action improved some in the Antioch and Mansard Island area this week
too. Some stringers were taken by anglers vertical fishing jigs over
manmade fish attractors in the 14 foot depth zone.
Further north toward Paris Landing and the mouth of the Big Sandy
River’s main lake ledges were not holding as many fish. Anglers fishing
the deep drop-offs were finding crappie quite scattered in depths of 18
to 24 feet. Seemed the fish were not concentrated on the deep structure.
Popular jig color combos have been pink/chartreuse, red/white,
lime/pink, and various shades of chartreuse with sparkle. Some anglers
are using minnows on deep drop-offs and also tipping jigs with minnows
but most of the spider rig style fishermen are using jigs exclusively.
With warmer weather now entering the picture expect crappie to be on the
move. There should be some good fishing days ahead if March winds allow
anglers move around and fish the open water.
Lake levels are still residing at the low ebb of winter pool so use
caution when boating and pay attention to channel markers. Don’t take
those shortcuts over open water sandbars unless you know where you are.
Elevation is expected to be in the 354.4 range at New Johnsonville for
the next few days. Downstream at Kentucky Dam lake levels are in the
354.5 range.
Surface temps have been in the 41 to 43 degree range earlier this week
but will be warming into the mid to upper 40’s by this weekend. Water
color in the upper Big Sandy and West Sandy is showing some dingy color
while down toward the Paris Landing area water color is clear.
Bass action has been fair and will likely see some quick improvement as
surface temps warm this weekend. Crankbaits fish on gravel points and
shorelines have been the most popular choice of techniques.
Productive colors have been blue/chrome Rattle Traps, along with
Tennessee shad and crawfish variations in the Paris Landing area. In
some areas where stained water was present such colors as fire tiger
have been popular.
Some suspended crankbaits and jig and pig combos have also been
producing but shallow and deep running crankbaits have been the most
productive.
It appears an extended spell of warm weather is on the way and will
linger for several days. With a few says of sunshine and rising surface
temps anglers should see dramatic improvement but wind will be a factor
in the equation.
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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