HIGH WINDS AND RISING LAKE LEVELS CHALLENGE ANGLERS...LAKE LEVELS FALLING AFTER THREE DAY SURGE 

  Changing lake levels and high winds have hampered angling efforts the last few days on Kentucky Lake.

    The reservoir had a significant rise in lake stages during the last three days but crested and began falling today (Tuesday).

    Presently, observed lake elevation here in the Paris Landing area is in the 357 range and falling four tenths of a foot for the next three days, according to TVA. Upstream at New Johnsonville lake levels were higher with reports in the 358 range.

    There’s a lot of current in the main river at this time as TVA is spilling water through Kentucky Dam in an effort to pull the lake back down to normal winter pool. Elevation today  (Tuesday) at Kentucky Dam was 355.3, which almost three feet difference from the readings upstream at New Johnsonville.

    Surface temperatures cooled slighting over the last two days but are still lingering in the 48 to 50 degree range.

    Crappie were hitting live minnows and jigs on main lake ledges this past weekend with action coming from the 18 to 22 foot range. A few fish began moving up into bays, as the rising lake levels seemed to stimulate some action in 11 to 13 foot structure.

    Some fish were taken in shallow brushpiles and stakebeds recently in both West Sandy and in the Paris Landing area.

    High winds the last three days have been out of the west to northwest with cooler conditions limiting angling success.

    However, with falling lake levels look for crappie action to improve this week as this normally pulls fish back to the deep sides of main lake sandbars where structure is located. Although March wind and rising lake levels have been unkind the last few days, things could improve quickly this week for deep-water anglers if some light winds return allowing anglers to maneuver along the drop-offs.

    Popular jig colors have been orange and chartreuse, along with red and white and black and chartreuse. Live minnows have also been producing as have jigs tipped with minnows.

    Bass action slowed the last few days due to high winds and cooler conditions. Watch for action to improve around points and levees where current will be a factor for the next several days.

    Overall watercolor is spring a good dingy stain.

     Anglers are hoping to get a break from the weatherman this week in terms of less wind. Temperatures are expected to stay cool for the next few days with highs in the low 50’s.