Brought to you by: Fishtale Lodge
Steve McCadams'
Kentucky Lake Fishing Report for:
March 5th, 2004
Fishing has improved on the Kentucky Lake outdoor scene this past
week, thanks to a few days of warm weather and light winds.
Although slightly cooler conditions and rain entered the picture at
midweek, the weatherman indicates moderate temperatures should return
soon.
Surface temperatures have warmed since last week. Several bays were
sporting temperatures in the 46 to 49 degree range this week.
Observed lake elevation at New Johnsonville was in the 354.5 range.
Downstream at Kentucky Dam lake levels were slightly lower with a
reading of 345.4.
The reservoir has been relatively stable this week after falling
slowly last weekend. Rains in the area could cause the lake to rise
slightly this next week, barring any flooding upstream.
Crappie action was on the upswing this week as anglers found fish
hitting on the deep ledges throughout Big Sandy and West Sandy. In the
Paris Landing area most of the fish were holding off the deep drop-offs
in 18 to 24 foot range. A few scattered fish were taken in the 12 to 15
foot range but most of the success stories came from deeper water.
Both live shiner minnows and jigs were producing as anglers worked
structure along the deep side of the ledges. Not many concentrations of
fish were found as it was mostly a few here, few there type report.
A variety of tube jig colors were working ranging from purple and
chartreuse to blue and pearl. Some anglers were also using painted
leadheads in the florescent red, green, and pink colors.
Jigs tipped with live minnows were also working well but the fish
were finicky for most anglers who were making a slow presentation of the
bait, as strikes were light.
Although not many limits were being caught, overall numbers of
keeper size crappie have improved this week for most anglers.
There have been a few reports of two-pound plus slabs taken from the
deep ledges.
Several boats are slow trolling multipole rigs and finding some fish
suspended near the ledges while others are vertical fishing
bottom-bumping rigs and working stumps and brush.
Watercolor is in good shape over most of the lake with some dingy
water present in much of Big Sandy and over on the Tennessee River area.
Many of the bays are relative clear.
Bass action was fair this week as anglers worked rock and gravel
banks with crawfish colored crankbaits and jig and pig combos. Some
anglers were slow rolling spinnerbaits around logs and boathouses with
minimal results.
It’s that time of year when those big drum nail a crankbait or jig
and give bass anglers a quick thrill for a few seconds.
Watch for bass action to improve once that surface temperatures
crosses over the 50-degree threshold.
Some anglers are still working the riverbank for sauger in such
areas as the mouth of Duck River and around New Johnsonville bridge. A
few boats were fishing the old Danville bridge area but not many fish
had been taken there lately.
Overall fishing conditions are improving and all it takes is a day
or two of warm sunshine to stimulate activity. So, keep the boat and
tackle ready and watch the treetops. Those calm days are rare in early
March so take advantage of them when they arrive!
For The Lake Barkley Report
Click Here
Also check out our past:
Kentucky Lake Fishing Reports
Steve McCadams
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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