Fishing on Kentucky Lake this past week has seen some dramatic changes in lake levels. Thanks to Hurricane Isidore's path through the TVA valley that dropped in excess of 6-inches of rain across much of west Tennessee, the Tennessee River rose some four feet in less than two days!

    Anglers have been fishing a new lake all week as the jump in elevation to near the summer pool mark of 359 really changed things. Many backwater areas and creeks were muddy with runoff.

    Then, by early this week TVA pulled the plug, dropping the lake some 8-inches or more each day. A lot of current has been present and some current was even noticed at the mouth of Big Sandy.

    By this weekend anglers can expect the lake to be back near the 355 elevation reading but that depends on predicted rainfall to an already wet and soggy TVA valley. Should another low pressure from the Gulf head our way it could be a repeat of last week's flooding across much of the area.

    Meanwhile, bass and crappie anglers are finding some fish with an appetite, despite the unusual conditions of changing lake levels.

    Crappie were hitting in 9 to 13 foot zones at midweek. However, the fish have been somewhat scattered and confused by all the fluctuation too. Finding a concentration has been difficult for shallow water anglers.

    Water color has improved this week as falling lake levels have pulled most of the muddy water out of the bays. Overall, there's a good stain for fishing.

    Deep water crappie fishermen have been finding decent action as they work the deep sides of main lake ledges where stumps and brush can be found. The falling lake levels will likely pull some fish back to the main lake ledges this week. Depths of 14 to 20 feet will be worth trying.

    Surface temperatures have been warming a little and are a bit warm for early October. Readings this week showed a range of 73 to 76 in most areas.

    Bass action has been pretty good for those anglers working the rocky points and using the current to establish a pattern. Several spotted bass and smallmouth were being caught on shad colored crankbaits worked around rip-rap, roadbeds, and bridge piers.

    Some anglers are still stalking the ledges and tossing Carolina rigged worms, jig and pig combos, and big, deep diving crankbaits. The current will likely be a factor for main lake anglers but some fish are also being taken in shallow areas.

    Finding deeper banks or points close to deep water may produce well this week as the fish are likely to pull back near deeper water. Falling lake levels tend to put the bass near a deep water escape route so key in on roadbeds and submerged ditches where some deeper water is close by.

    Spinnerbaits and shallow running crankbaits have produced around visible crappie beds and logs, along with long grass points on main river islands.

    Kentucky Lake will likely be back down to near winter pool by early this weekend but look for a quick return to high lake levels if Hurricane Lili’s path delivers more rains our way. A repeat of last week’s flood could be in the making!