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May 5, 2011
What goes up must come down but Kentucky Lake anglers were beginning to
wonder if the adage had merit. After climbing to historic high lake
levels at midweek the reservoir crested Wednesday and the descent has
begun.
Rumors had been flying for days as to just how high lake levels would
rise, which also fueled false stories about lake closures. Seems the
fish are always open for business and despite the rapid rise anglers
were never denied the opportunity even though finding boat launch
locations were challenging.
Kentucky Lake reached its all-time record elevation Wednesday morning
with readings of 372.6 at Kentucky Dam, according to TVA data. Upstream
at New Johnsonville levels peaked at 372.5.
Prior to Wednesday’s historic peak the high water mark had been 369.9,
which was recorded back on May 11, 1984. Records are made to be broken
but most of us on Kentucky Lake wished this record had been left
unscathed.
Good news is in progress. Lake levels are fast receding as TVA will
begin pulling the plug as the weekend approaches. Expect lake stages to
fall a foot each day if not more.
TVA is projecting an elevation range of 369.5 going into the weekend at
Kentucky Dam. New Johnsonville will be in the 369.7 range. TVA will
continue to revise its forecast on a daily basis.
While most anglers have a negative opinion of falling lake levels no one
is questioning the rapid drawdown as high water has inundated marinas,
campgrounds, boat ramps, access roads and all low lying areas far too
long.
How will this effect fishing? Every angler is asking that question and
despite crazy changes lately the catch rate has been quite good for
bluegill fishermen who are landing big numbers.
Spawning time is here for the popular panfish that seemed to adapt this
week to the roller coaster ride. The bluegill moved up rapidly but never
quite made it to shallow shorelines, choosing instead to set up
housekeeping in 5 to 10 foot zones.
The bite has been quite good and will likely improve in the days ahead
as surface temps are rising as lake levels fall and the fish are ready
to spawn. Popular areas have been somewhat steeper banks or sloping
gravel areas that appeal to their crater fanning habits.
Although bluegill action has been good the shellcracker bite has been
off somewhat. Seems the shellcracker did a blitz as lake levels jumped
and managed dodge the hooks of most fishermen. Action should improve
next week as the high water retreats, pulling meandering fish back to
their usual spots of buck brush and grass bed combos.
Surface temps cooled at midweek due to annoying north winds and dropped
back to the 64 degree range for a day or so. However, look for readings
to reach the 70 degree range by this weekend and next week’s forecast
has warmer weather on the radar screen.
Water color is good in most bays but dingy in the main Tennessee River
channel areas. Current will be present for quite some time in the main
channel areas and island rims.
Bass have been extremely scattered but had a nice surge of activity in
the early phases of the rise. Odds are the meandering fish will pull
back to ditches and shoreline structure near deep water in the days
ahead.
Once rapid drawdown kicks in gear the fish tend to prefer outside trees
and bush lines that offer quick access to deeper water. That pattern
should work in favor of bass fishermen who have been battling scattered
fish with far too much cover in which to hide and roam.
Tossing spinnerbaits over submerged grass and bushes will be one popular
technique in the days ahead as covering a lot of water will be the key
to catching transition fish that may be here in the morning and there in
the afternoon.
Pitching and flipping a jig and pig combo, crawfish or lizards will be
other good choices. Storm’s Brush Hog and similar style baits have been
popular with color choices such as green pumpkin-pepper, black/blue, and
cotton candy producing.
Working crankbaits and Carolina rigged lizards in the mouth of feeder
creeks or submerged ditches will likely produce as will some sloping
points. Out on the main river current may push some baitfish around
island points as well.
Bass fishermen have reason to be concerned as to bedding fish depositing
eggs around structure that may be left high and dry in the days ahead.
It appears some fish attempted to spawn a few weeks ago but there are
always a few late ones that may be confused with all the change taking
place.
Crappie action has been slow with a few fish taken by boats trolling
crankbaits and Roadrunner style jigs in open water areas. No doubt the
fish have been scattered and suspended so covering a lot of water may be
the best bet as very few fish had been staying put and relating to
structure.
Watch for action to improve in a week or so once lake levels get back
down near summer pool but it’s likely another week or so of tough
sledding for crappie anglers.
Catfish have been good during the high water period as they were on the
prowl up feeder creeks and roaming shallow cover. Soon fish will head to
rocky banks for spawning.
The fishing scene on Kentucky Lake is changing rapidly but should
continue to improve for a lot of anglers who fell victim to very unusual
circumstances. If you’ve had tough luck lately you’re not alone so don’t
sell the boat and toss the tackle box over just yet. Better days are
ahead.
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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